Maduro's proposed conditions for surrender to Trump exposed

Venezuelas president reportedly sought to retain $200 million of personal assets, secure amnesty for his inner circle, and find refuge in a friendly nation as part of discussions with Donald Trump about stepping down and leaving the country. Sources familiar with a phone conversation between the two leaders told The Telegraph that the negotiations collapsed over Maduros insistence on blanket immunity for up to 100 senior officials.

The 15-minute call revealed disagreements on forming a transitional government and determining Maduros destination outside Venezuela. While Trump reportedly suggested China or Russia, Maduro preferred to stay within the Western Hemisphere, considering countries such as Cuba. Qatar later emerged as a possible compromise location.

Maduro confirmed he spoke with the US president roughly ten days prior. Since the call on November 21, the US has increased pressure on Venezuelas government. With a growing US naval presence in the Caribbean, Trump indicated that strikes on Venezuelan soil could be imminent, stating that American forces know where the bad ones live and could act soon.

The US recognizes Edmundo Gonzlez as Venezuelas legitimate president following disputed elections in 2024. Earlier this year, Washington doubled its bounty on Maduro, offering $50 million for information leading to his arrest on alleged drug trafficking charges. Recent troop and military deployments signal to Maduro and his allies that their hold on power is fragile.

Reports indicate that Maduro has increasingly relied on Cuban security personnel and frequently changes his sleeping locations. While the Trump administration has avoided openly discussing regime change, the president offered Maduro a soft exit, including amnesty for him and his immediate family if he agreed to resign immediately. The discussions also covered Maduros wish to maintain a comfortable life in exile, including leaving with $200 million, possibly from assets frozen by the US.

Maduros additional request for full amnesty for numerous associates and for key allies to lead a transitional government posed major challenges. Sources noted he faced pressure from top officials, making any deal one of self-preservation rather than altruism. US officials, however, rejected broad amnesty, aiming to dismantle the Cartel de los Soles, a military and political network linked to drug trafficking.

Political analysts observed that any compromise would need to balance Trumps objectives with the reality of leaving parts of the cartel untouched, questioning how much of a victory it would represent. The White House faces urgent decisions, as prolonged military operations in the Caribbean are extremely costly, with the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group alone estimated at over $6 million per day.

Observers suggest that if Maduro continues negotiating without reaching a deal, targeted strikes could be executed. Since the call, Maduros regional influence has weakened, with leftist allies losing recent elections in Honduras and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Author: Lucas Grant