A bold move by Donald Trump has sparked controversy and left many questioning the potential consequences. The US President reportedly gave Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's authoritarian leader, an ultimatum: step down immediately or face the consequences. Maduro, however, refused to budge, demanding a global amnesty for himself and his allies.
This highly unusual phone call, which took place on November 21st, has left both governments tight-lipped about the details. But sources have revealed that Trump delivered a blunt message, offering Maduro and his family safe passage if he resigned right away. Maduro's counter-demands included worldwide immunity and retaining control of the armed forces, a proposal that was rejected.
The Miami Herald reported that there has been no further direct contact between the two leaders, despite Maduro's request for a second call after Trump's declaration of Venezuela's airspace closure. The first discussion was brokered by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey, but Maduro's government received no response to their request.
Many observers are skeptical of Trump's willingness to back up his threats with military action. A source with close ties to Venezuela's top officials told the Wall Street Journal that Maduro views the US military threats as mere bluffs. Maduro has weathered numerous crises since his election in 2013, including Trump's previous 'maximum pressure' campaign, mass protests, economic meltdown, an assassination attempt, and even a presumed defeat in last year's presidential election.
The Wall Street Journal's editorial board urged the Trump administration to maintain the pressure on Venezuela, stating that deposing Maduro is in the US national interest. They warned that if Trump fails to act, both he and the credibility of the US will suffer.
In a peaceful attempt to resolve the situation, Colombia's President, Gustavo Petro, offered Cartagena as a potential meeting ground for talks between Maduro's regime and Venezuela's opposition.
Maduro, in a letter to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, accused the US of seeking to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves through military force. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
The question remains: will Trump follow through with his threats, or will Maduro continue to hold onto power? And what does this mean for the future of Venezuela and US-Venezuela relations? These are the questions that leave many wondering and waiting for the next move in this political chess game.
