Frictions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Purported Demand from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and depart the nation – at once.
According to reports, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your family, but you have to leave the country now," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to resign without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to step down immediately and reportedly presented a series of conditions, including global legal immunity and the right to give up civilian authority while keeping control of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This development marks the latest heightening of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his senior foreign policy team to review the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Ultimatum: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place during a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided more details about the matters talked about during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have happened in late November.
