Frictions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Purported Demand from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and depart the nation – at once.

Per reports, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.

"You can protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to leave the country immediately," Trump allegedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay."

However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign right then and reportedly presented a list of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to give up civilian authority while keeping control of the military.

Recent Increase in Ongoing Bilateral Strain

This exchange marks the most recent increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that gathering have not been made public.

Key Elements from the Reported Conversation

• Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the terms for a swift exit.
• Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing authority over the military.
• Broader Context: This occurs amid a larger American diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan government.

When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided more particulars about the topics discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have taken place in late November.