A dramatic twist has emerged between Washington and Caracas, as US President Donald Trump reportedly issued a firm exit demand to Venezuela’s leader during a recent phone call.
The Trump ultimatum to Maduro was described as unusually direct, widening anxiety around the region.
According to Miami Herald, Trump told Nicolás Maduro, “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now.”
The message was part of a broader negotiation attempt that has since collapsed.
Moreover, the United States was said to offer safe passage for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son if he agreed to leave immediately.
However, Caracas rejected the offer. The talks reportedly failed after Maduro insisted on two conditions, which Washington refused.
Meanwhile, Trump later confirmed the call but declined to provide details. He told reporters, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly.”
Sources familiar with the discussions claim Maduro asked for global amnesty for himself and senior allies.
Furthermore, he requested the right to retain control of Venezuela’s armed forces even if he accepted free elections.
Washington dismissed both demands and insisted he step down at once.
A source quoted by the newspaper said, “First, Maduro asked for global amnesty… that was rejected.
Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces… in return, they would allow free elections.”
The failed negotiation has intensified pressure on the Venezuelan government.
In addition, Maduro’s circle has reportedly tried to reopen communication lines, but Washington has not responded.
Following the breakdown, Trump escalated his public warnings.
He declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety” and announced that US operations “by land” could begin “very soon.”
The Trump ultimatum to Maduro appears to have reshaped the regional climate.
A FlightRadar24 map later showed no international aircraft flying across Venezuela.
Therefore, flights to Aruba and Curaçao diverted to longer routes. Major airlines paused operations after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning about “heightened military activity.”
