Frictions with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Reported Final Offer from Trump to Nicolás Maduro.

It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and depart the nation – without delay.

As stated in accounts, the American president supposedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, 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 secure your safety and your family, but you need to depart from the country immediately," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign without delay."

Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to relinquish power right then and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including worldwide amnesty and the right to give up political control while keeping control of the armed forces.

New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain

This development constitutes the most recent escalation of tensions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though specifics of that meeting have not been made public.

Salient Elements from the Alleged Exchange

• Demand: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
• Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a fast exit.
• Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the military.
• Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration.

When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released additional information about the matters talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.