Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate After Alleged Demand from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and exit the country – at once.

According to accounts, the American president supposedly held a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can protect yourself and your inner circle, but you need to leave the nation right away," Trump allegedly stated, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign right away."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to resign on the spot and reportedly made a series of conditions, including international amnesty and the right to cede political control while keeping control of the military.

Recent Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions

This exchange marks the most recent escalation of frictions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly met with his leading national security advisers to review the Venezuelan situation, though particulars of that gathering were not made public.

Central Details from the Alleged Exchange

• Ultimatum: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a swift exit.
• Conditions: Sought international immunity and continued control over the armed forces.
• Broader Context: This takes place during a wider American diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.

Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the topics discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have taken place in the latter part of November.