🔗 Share this article Tensions with Venezuela Escalate Following Purported Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and exit the country – at once. Per reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to secure your safety and your family, but you need to leave the country now," Trump allegedly stated, providing assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down immediately." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to step down on the spot and reportedly presented a set of counter-demands, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces. Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions This exchange constitutes the most recent escalation of tensions between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to deliberate on the Venezuelan issue, though details of that gathering have not been revealed. Salient Details from the Alleged Conversation Demand: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the military. Broader Context: This occurs during a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional details about the topics discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and exit the country – at once. Per reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to secure your safety and your family, but you need to leave the country now," Trump allegedly stated, providing assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down immediately." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to step down on the spot and reportedly presented a set of counter-demands, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces. Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions This exchange constitutes the most recent escalation of tensions between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to deliberate on the Venezuelan issue, though details of that gathering have not been revealed. Salient Details from the Alleged Conversation Demand: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the military. Broader Context: This occurs during a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional details about the topics discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.