Trump demands Maduro's exit from Venezuela

US President Donald Trump reportedly demanded that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro step down immediately. The two leaders spoke on the phone in November, a call that Trump described as neither good nor bad. Sources indicate that US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, assured Maduro safe passage for himself and his family if he resigned without delay, according to The Miami Herald.

The call came during a period of escalating US-Venezuelan tensions, shortly after Trump labeled the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro, a terrorist organization. Trump is scheduled to meet with senior cabinet members in the Oval Office regarding the situation.

Deteriorating Relations and Military Strikes

US-Venezuela relations have worsened since the US launched strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats off Venezuelas coast. Controversy arose after reports claimed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a follow-up strike to kill survivors of an initial attack. Hegseth denied giving such an order, labeling the reports fake news. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Admiral Frank Bradley, acting under Hegseths authorization, conducted the strikes in self-defense in international waters, adhering to the law of armed conflict.

During his Thanksgiving address to troops, Trump hinted at expanding operations against Venezuelan drug traffickers to land, while also declaring Venezuelan airspace fully closed.

Congressional Response

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trumps handling of US forces in the region and suggested he was planning military action without congressional approval. Schumer and other senators pledged to file a war powers resolution to block unauthorized use of US troops in Venezuela. He also called for Defense Secretary Hegseth to testify before Congress regarding the boat strikes and the rationale behind them.

Maduros Defiance

In response to US pressure, Nicolas Maduro swore absolute loyalty to the Venezuelan people at a political event, accompanied by top officials including his wife Cilia Flores and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Maduro encouraged public support for his administration despite US sanctions and threats.

US Military and Government Statements

The White House maintained that the strikes against suspected drug traffickers were justified, emphasizing the threat posed to the United States. Leavitt stated that the US president has authority to target vessels trafficking narcotics, describing the operations as necessary for national defense. Congress has opened inquiries into the strikes, with Democratic and Republican lawmakers highlighting the potential legal implications.

Leavitt also defended Trumps recent pardon of former Honduran President Orlando Hernandez, framing it as correcting previous injustices while continuing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Upcoming Cabinet Meeting

President Trump will meet with senior advisors and cabinet members, including Hegseth, Rubio, and military leaders, to discuss further steps regarding Venezuela. Over a dozen US warships and around 15,000 troops have been deployed to the region as part of Operation Southern Spear.

The situation remains tense, with both US and Venezuelan officials signaling continued confrontation over drug trafficking and political control in the region.

Analysis: US-Venezuela Relations and Escalating Tensions

The ongoing tension between the United States and Venezuela has entered a new phase, marked by escalating military operations, political pressure, and diplomatic maneuvering. The recent call between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro encapsulates the strained relationship between the two countries. Trump's demand for Maduro to step down, paired with US assurances of safe passage for Maduro and his family, highlights the growing US efforts to oust the Venezuelan leader. While Trump described the phone call as “neither good nor bad,” it clearly underscores the US’s more aggressive stance towards Venezuela.

The White House continues to justify its actions, including recent strikes on Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, as necessary for national defense. However, the military's involvement, particularly the controversial follow-up strike on survivors, has sparked debates about the legality and ethics of such operations. The tension is further compounded by conflicting statements, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's denial of giving orders for the follow-up strike, as well as Admiral Frank Bradley’s defense of the operation as being in self-defense.

The political climate in Venezuela is equally volatile, with Maduro refusing to bow to US pressure. His recent declaration of loyalty to the Venezuelan people at a public event, surrounded by top officials, reinforces his stance against foreign interference. Despite facing international sanctions, Maduro's defiance has bolstered his position domestically, but it has done little to ease tensions with the US.

The US Congress has also stepped into the fray, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizing Trump’s military actions and threatening to file a war powers resolution. The move signals increasing bipartisan concern over the administration’s handling of military operations without congressional approval. The call for testimony from Defense Secretary Hegseth suggests that the debate over the legality of the strikes and potential military expansion will likely intensify in the coming weeks.

With US warships and troops stationed in the region, the possibility of further military actions remains high. Trump’s comments about potentially expanding operations on land against drug traffickers in Venezuela indicate that the US is prepared to escalate its actions if necessary. The situation remains fluid, with both countries locked in a high-stakes game of political and military pressure.

Sources:

• Trump tells Maduro: Get out of Venezuela