Trump Confirms Call with Maduro Amid Tensions
On Sunday, former President Trump revealed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This statement is backed by the State Department, which has designated Maduro as a leader of a foreign terrorist organization, even placing a $50 million bounty on him.
However, Trump didn’t provide details about their conversation. It’s reported that the call took place last week, and when asked about its outcome, he remarked, “I can’t say it went well or bad. It was a phone call.”
A source mentioned to the Miami Herald that the White House issued Maduro an ultimatum: he would receive safe passage for himself, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son only if he agreed to resign immediately.
Reports indicate that Caracas had suggested Maduro give up power to the political opposition while still retaining military control. It seems there was an attempt to mirror a historical deal, similar to what occurred in Nicaragua in 1991, in exchange for allowing free elections.
Washington reportedly turned down these proposals, and Maduro’s regime also dismissed calls for his immediate resignation.
Sources close to administration officials have suggested that Maduro sees U.S. threats as mere bluffs. Yet, this skepticism may be misplaced, especially since the Trump administration appears ready to act against Venezuelan drug traffickers, leading to rising tensions in the Caribbean, including the deployment of several warships and troops to the region.
Last month, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group entered the Caribbean, comprising the largest aircraft carrier and numerous support vessels. This show of force, coupled with Trump’s Thanksgiving remarks about stepping up efforts against drug trafficking, indicated escalating confrontations could be imminent.
In a recent social media post, Trump advised airlines and any potential illegal operators to steer clear of Venezuelan airspace. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry condemned this threat, arguing it represents an unjustifiable violation of their sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to hold a meeting at the White House to discuss the next steps regarding Venezuela, as tensions continue to rise.
