Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the nation – without delay.
According to reports, the American president supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you have to depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly declared, promising safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign immediately."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign on the spot and is said to have made a set of requests, including global legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while retaining control of the armed forces.
Recent Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This development constitutes the most recent increase of strains between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his top security officials to discuss the Venezuela issue, though details of that meeting have not been revealed.
Key Details from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Rejection: Maduro did not accept the offer for a fast exit.
- Conditions: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This occurs during a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have released additional particulars about the subjects discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
