🔗 Share this article Tensions involving Venezuela Escalate After Alleged Demand from Donald Trump to Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and flee the nation – at once. According to reports, the American president reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have presented a set of requests, including international amnesty and being allowed to cede political control while retaining command of the military. New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though details of that discussion have not been made public. Key Elements from the Alleged Conversation Final Offer: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives. Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit. Conditions: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan regime. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered additional details about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have occurred in late November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and flee the nation – at once. According to reports, the American president reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have presented a set of requests, including international amnesty and being allowed to cede political control while retaining command of the military. New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though details of that discussion have not been made public. Key Elements from the Alleged Conversation Final Offer: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives. Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit. Conditions: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan regime. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered additional details about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have occurred in late November.