Frictions with Venezuela Intensify After Reported Final Offer from Donald Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the nation – immediately.
According to reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your family, but you have to depart from the nation now," Trump allegedly said, promising assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to step down without delay."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to step down on the spot and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while keeping command of the military.
New Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This incident represents the most recent escalation of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading security officials to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that discussion were not made public.
Salient Details from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a wider American diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more information about the matters discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.
