Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify Following Reported Final Offer from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump conveyed a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and exit the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the American president supposedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you have to depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, such as international amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining control of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Strain
This incident represents the most recent increase of strains between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela situation, though details of that gathering were not disclosed.
Key Details from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a fast exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional details about the matters discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have taken place in late November.
