Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise After Reported Final Offer from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and flee the nation – at once.
According to accounts, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation right away," Trump allegedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and reportedly presented a set of counter-demands, including international amnesty and being allowed to give up civilian authority while keeping command of the armed forces.
Latest Escalation in Long-Running Bilateral Strain
This development constitutes the latest heightening of tensions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to review the Venezuelan issue, though specifics of that meeting have not been made public.
Central Details from the Alleged Conversation
- Demand: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit.
- Conditions: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have released further information about the topics discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have occurred in late November.
