It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and depart the country – immediately.
As stated in reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to depart from the country now," Trump allegedly declared, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign right away."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a series of requests, such as global amnesty and being allowed to cede civilian authority while keeping control of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions
This incident marks the latest escalation of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly convened with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela situation, though particulars of that gathering have not been revealed.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Final Offer: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro did not accept the terms for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought global amnesty and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader American pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered more details about the matters discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
