Trump Administration Issued Ultimatum to Maduro, Negotiations Stall Amid Escalating Pressure
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A direct conversation between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro revealed a narrowing path for the Chavista leader to negotiate a transition of power, as the U.S. significantly increased pressure on Caracas.
A telephone conversation held on November 21 exposed the limited options available to Maduro, who sought security guarantees and the lifting of sanctions in exchange for potentially stepping down. According to sources cited by Reuters, President Trump rejected the vast majority of Maduro’s proposals and initially offered a one-week window for him and his family to leave the country. That deadline expired on Friday, November 29, prompting Washington to close Venezuelan airspace the following day as a demonstration of force.
Maduro’s Proposed Terms
During the less-than-15-minute call, Maduro reportedly proposed relinquishing power in exchange for total legal amnesty for himself and his family, a complete lifting of all U.S. sanctions, and the resolution of a prominent case before the International Criminal Court. He also requested the removal of sanctions against over 100 Venezuelan government officials – individuals accused by the U.S. of involvement in human rights violations, drug trafficking, and corruption – and suggested that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez lead an interim government to oversee new elections.
However, a senior official stated that Trump dismissed nearly all of these requests, offering only a seven-day period to depart Venezuela. Following the expiration of this deadline, the U.S. proceeded with the closure of Venezuelan airspace, signaling escalating pressure.
Escalating U.S. Pressure Campaign
The direct communication between the two leaders occurred after months of increasing U.S. pressure on Caracas. This included operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea, public threats to extend military actions into Venezuelan territory, and the designation of the “Suns of the Fatherland” organization – which Washington links to Maduro – as a foreign terrorist group. The Venezuelan regime has consistently denied these accusations, asserting that the U.S. is pursuing a regime change to gain control of the nation’s strategic resources, particularly its oil reserves.
Initially, the White House confirmed that a conversation between the presidents had taken place but refrained from disclosing its contents. The Venezuelan Ministry of Information did not respond to inquiries. The Miami Herald previously reported on aspects of the conversation, but the specific one-week ultimatum had not been previously known.
Is a Negotiated Solution Still Possible?
On Sunday, December 1, Trump convened meetings with advisors to assess the ongoing pressure campaign. Reuters reported that Washington has not entirely ruled out reopening a negotiation channel, despite significant disagreements and unresolved details. Simultaneously, the U.S. increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, and maintained a $25 million bounty for other senior officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Meanwhile, Maduro, without directly referencing the call, publicly affirmed his “absolute loyalty” to the Venezuelan people during a demonstration on Monday, December 2.
The situation remains fluid, and the possibility of a negotiated resolution appears increasingly remote. The U.S. continues to explore all available options, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
