Trump tells Maduro: quit now and leave Venezuela or face the consequences

Donald Trump reportedly delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: leave power and the country immediately, according to a Guardian report.

The US president told his South American counterpart during a phone call that he could save himself and those closest to him, but only if he left Venezuela now, sources told the Miami Herald.

Trump reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son if he agreed to resign right away.

However, Maduro refused to step down immediately and made a series of counter-demands, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control whilst keeping control of the armed forces, according to the Guardian.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two nations. Trump has waged a four-month pressure campaign against Maduro that includes ordering a major naval deployment off Venezuela’s northern coast.

Trump met with his top national security advisers on Monday to discuss Venezuela, though details of that meeting were not disclosed.

(information from The Guardian)