Sources indicate that ex-President Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and flee the nation – at once.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can protect yourself and your family, but you need to exit the nation now," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down immediately."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a list of counter-demands, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to cede political control while maintaining control of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This exchange represents the latest increase of strains between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that gathering were not made public.
Central Details from the Alleged Conversation
- Final Offer: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued control over the military.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released further details about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in late November.
