🔗 Share this article Frictions involving Venezuela Escalate Following Reported Demand from President Trump to Maduro. It is alleged that ex-President Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and exit the country – without delay. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you must leave the country right away," Trump allegedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to step down immediately." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to step down on the spot and is said to have made a series of counter-demands, such as global amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while keeping control of the armed forces. New Increase in Persistent Bilateral Tensions This incident represents the latest increase of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his top national security advisers to review the Venezuela crisis, though details of that discussion have not been made public. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Ultimatum: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the offer for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime. When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the topics discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and exit the country – without delay. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you must leave the country right away," Trump allegedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to step down immediately." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to step down on the spot and is said to have made a series of counter-demands, such as global amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while keeping control of the armed forces. New Increase in Persistent Bilateral Tensions This incident represents the latest increase of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his top national security advisers to review the Venezuela crisis, though details of that discussion have not been made public. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Ultimatum: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the offer for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime. When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the topics discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.