Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated dramatically following a recent phone call between Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. During the exchange, Trump issued a stern ultimatum, urging Maduro to relinquish power immediately in exchange for safe passage for himself and his family out of the country. This ultimatum was revealed by the Telegraph and confirmed by Trump, who described the call as neither particularly positive nor negative.
During the conversation, which took place in November 2023, Maduro reportedly expressed a willingness to leave office but insisted on receiving full legal amnesty for himself and his inner circle. According to Reuters, Trump made it clear that safe passage would only be granted if Maduro stepped down without delay.
Maduro’s Failed Bargaining Attempts
Insiders disclosed to the Miami Herald that Maduro proposed multiple conditions during the call, all of which were swiftly dismissed by the U.S. administration. His first demand was for global amnesty concerning crimes attributed to him and his associates. This request was firmly rejected.
Maduro also sought to maintain control over Venezuela’s armed forces, drawing comparisons to the political situation in Nicaragua during the 1990s. This proposal was similarly rebuffed. The negotiations ultimately collapsed over the U.S. insistence that Maduro must resign immediately and leave the country, along with his top allies, to facilitate a transition to democracy. Despite assurances of safe passage for himself, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son, Maduro chose to reject the offer.
In response to the mounting pressure, Trump is scheduled to meet with key Cabinet members, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio, to discuss the next steps regarding Venezuela. This meeting, set for Monday, will likely address the escalating crisis.
Escalating U.S.-Venezuela Relations
Relations between Washington and Caracas have reached a boiling point. Trump hinted at potential military actions against Venezuelan drug traffickers during his Thanksgiving address, suggesting a broadening of operations to include strikes on land. Furthermore, Trump controversially declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety,” an action that has raised concerns among airlines and could disrupt travel within the region.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” This declaration has been interpreted as a significant escalation and a direct challenge to Maduro’s authority.
Following Trump’s announcement, Maduro attempted to initiate a second phone call with the White House but reportedly received no response. Venezuela quickly condemned Trump’s action as a “colonialist threat” against its sovereignty, a statement that underscores the deepening rift between the two nations.
As the international community observes this high-stakes confrontation, the question remains whether Maduro will capitulate to U.S. pressure or continue to cling to power amidst growing internal and external opposition.
