By Gloria Nosa
The diplomatic standoff between Washington and Caracas escalated dramatically this week after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly delivered a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, warning him to leave Venezuela immediately or face severe consequences. The explosive exchange, revealed by the Miami Herald, marks one of the most tense moments in the years-long power struggle between the United States and the socialist government in Caracas.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the unexpected phone call took place in the week of November 16 and was described as blunt, intense, and uncompromising. President Trump is said to have told Maduro:
“You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now.”
The United States reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, their son, and several high-ranking allies—an exit deal aimed at averting further conflict. But negotiations collapsed almost immediately after Caracas rejected the U.S. conditions.
A Deal That Fell Apart in Minutes
Sources told the Miami Herald that Maduro’s team requested two major assurances before agreeing to step down:
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Full global amnesty for Maduro and senior members of his circle, shielding them from prosecution for corruption, human rights violations, and alleged drug trafficking activities.
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The right for Maduro to retain command over the Venezuelan armed forces, even if he allowed internationally supervised free elections.
Both demands were flatly rejected by Washington.
A source briefed on the call reportedly said:
“They asked for global amnesty and to keep control of the armed forces. In exchange, they would allow free elections. The U.S. wasn’t going to accept that.”
With neither side willing to compromise, the call ended abruptly. Venezuelan representatives later attempted to schedule a second conversation, but the U.S. did not respond—an indication that Washington considers negotiations closed.
Trump Confirms Call, but Keeps Details Guarded
Speaking to reporters shortly afterward, President Trump acknowledged that he had indeed spoken with Maduro but offered no specifics.
“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump said carefully, refusing to elaborate on the content of the discussion.
The remark came just hours after the U.S. issued a stark warning that Venezuelan airspace should be considered completely closed—a statement that instantly raised alarms among international airlines and aviation authorities.
This warning coincided with the deployment of major U.S. military assets to the Caribbean region, reinforcing fears that Washington may be preparing for more aggressive action.
A Nation Cut Off From the Sky
Shortly after the ultimatum leaked, global aviation platforms confirmed unusual activity over Venezuela. A FlightRadar24 map displayed a blank corridor across the country, with no international flights passing through its airspace.
Airlines bound for Aruba, Curaçao, and neighboring territories were forced to take longer, more expensive detours. Major carriers halted flight operations entirely following an advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which cited “heightened military activity” around Venezuela.
Caracas responded furiously, revoking the operating licenses of several foreign airlines and accusing Washington of “colonial aggression” and attempts to destabilize the Maduro government.
The Military Equation: Maduro’s Most Serious Threat Yet
Defense experts warn that the collapse of the phone negotiations may have placed Maduro in the most precarious position of his political career. Analysts familiar with Venezuela’s armed forces and state-linked drug-trafficking networks say the regime is now facing unprecedented pressure.
“Maduro and his closest allies know what is coming,” one expert said. “This is the first time the U.S. has made such a direct threat combined with active military positioning.”
Trump himself intensified concerns when he stated that U.S. military action “by land” could begin very soon, though he declined to provide a timeline or operational details.
With the U.S. placing Venezuela under de facto airspace lockdown and signaling that further moves are imminent, the Maduro administration now appears increasingly isolated, both diplomatically and militarily.
A Dangerous New Chapter
The failed Trump–Maduro call marks a significant turning point in the ongoing U.S.–Venezuela confrontation. Years of sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and political isolation have not dislodged Maduro from power. But Washington’s latest posture—especially its unprecedented direct ultimatum—suggests that the United States may be willing to escalate beyond previous boundaries.
As tensions continue to rise, Venezuela finds itself entering one of the most uncertain and dangerous chapters in its modern history. With diplomacy collapsing, the threat of force looming, and the nation’s skies now emptied of international aircraft, the world is watching closely to see what happens next.
