In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Donald Trump reportedly delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: leave power—and your country—immediately. Sources close to the situation disclosed to the Miami Herald that Trump engaged in a telephone conversation with Maduro, emphasizing the urgency of his message amidst a four-month pressure campaign against the Venezuelan regime.
The pressure campaign includes a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast, a strategic move aimed at showcasing U.S. military readiness and resolve. During the phone call, Trump reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife, and son, but only if the Venezuelan leader agreed to resign immediately. “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now,” Trump emphasized, underscoring the serious nature of the situation.
Despite the offer, Maduro allegedly refused to comply with Trump's demands. Reports indicate that he made a series of counter-demands, which included a request for worldwide immunity from prosecution. Additionally, Maduro sought to maintain control over the armed forces while ceding political power, a move that illustrates his unwillingness to relinquish authority easily.
This incident marks the latest in a series of escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. On Monday, Trump convened a meeting with his top national security advisers to discuss the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, although details surrounding this meeting remain scarce. The situation continues to unfold, and the world watches closely as diplomatic efforts and military posturing shape the future of Venezuela's political landscape.