Trump Delivers Strong Message in Rare Direct Call
President Donald J. Trump reportedly issued a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a private phone call last month, demanding Maduro step down and leave the country immediately. According to sources familiar with the November 21 conversation, Trump offered safe passage for Maduro and his family in exchange for his immediate resignation.
While neither government publicly detailed the exchange, President Trump confirmed to reporters on Sunday that the call occurred, stating:
“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly, it was a phone call.”
The rare direct communication marks a new phase in the administration’s sustained pressure campaign aimed at ending authoritarian rule and curbing Venezuela’s role in global drug trafficking.
Maduro Demanded Immunity and Military Control
Sources say Maduro refused to resign and instead requested broad international immunity for himself and his inner circle, including retention of military control even if political power was surrendered. No agreement was reached, and the Venezuelan government reportedly received no reply after requesting a follow-up call.
The initial discussion was reportedly facilitated by diplomatic contacts from Brazil, Turkey, and Qatar.
U.S. Military Pressure Continues to Mount
In recent months, President Trump has escalated naval operations near Venezuela, signaling a more forceful stance against what he has described as a narco-state propped up by corrupt military and political actors.
Days after the call, Trump declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety” via a public statement, prompting condemnation from Caracas. When asked whether this signaled imminent military action, Trump responded, “Don’t read anything into it.”
Maduro’s Regime Faces Isolation and Collapse
Despite clinging to power since 2013 through economic collapse, mass protests, and allegations of electoral fraud, Maduro continues to face growing international isolation. He is widely believed to have lost the most recent presidential election to opposition candidate Edmundo González.
Maduro’s response to the Trump administration’s pressure campaign has included accusing the U.S. of attempting to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves “through the lethal use of military force,” according to a letter published in state-run media.
Critics Call for Even Stronger Action
Though President Trump has denied immediate plans for a large-scale intervention, national security voices and editorial boards have urged the White House not to back down. Many argue that removing Maduro is in the United States’ strategic interest.
Some sources close to Venezuelan leadership claim they view U.S. military threats as bluffs, though Trump’s public statements and mobilization efforts suggest otherwise.
Meanwhile, regional leaders like Colombian President Gustavo Petro have floated alternative peace proposals, offering Cartagena as a possible location for talks between Venezuela’s regime and opposition leaders.
Related Coverage
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Opinion – https://idahonews.co/opinion-2/
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