Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify After Purported Ultimatum from Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

Sources indicate that ex-President Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and exit the country – immediately.

According to accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can secure your safety and those closest to you, but you must depart from the nation right away," Trump allegedly stated, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global legal immunity and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces.

New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions

This exchange represents the most recent increase of frictions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though particulars of that meeting have not been disclosed.

Salient Details from the Alleged Conversation

• Final Offer: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Reported Rejection: Maduro did not accept the offer for a swift exit.
• Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued control over the army.
• Broader Context: This occurs within a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.

Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional details about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly occurred in late November.