Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate After Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump issued a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and flee the country – without delay.
As stated in accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, promising safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to resign without delay."
However, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to resign right then and is said to have made a set of requests, including global immunity from prosecution and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining command of the armed forces.
Recent Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This incident marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. Recently, Trump reportedly held talks with his top national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Details from the Alleged Exchange
- Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Rejection: Maduro did not accept the terms for a fast exit.
- Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered more particulars about the subjects discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.
