Frictions involving Venezuela Escalate After Alleged Final Offer from Donald Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and flee the country – without delay.
According to reports, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you must depart from the nation immediately," Trump allegedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to cede civilian authority while keeping command of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This incident represents the latest escalation of strains between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his top national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuelan crisis, though details of that meeting have not been revealed.
Key Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Final Offer: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a wider American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more information about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.