Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is facing diminishing possibilities for a secure exit from the country after the United States refused several conditions he placed during recent discussions. A brief phone call with US President Donald Trump last month ended without progress, narrowing Maduro’s chances for a negotiated settlement.
Intensifying Pressure and Unsuccessful Negotiations
The call took place on November 21 amid growing US political, economic, and military pressure on Venezuela. Trump had recently warned of potential action against Caracas, leading Maduro to increase his personal security.
Reports later revealed that he had privately indicated readiness to resign within two years if guaranteed protection. Although Washington deployed significant naval forces near Venezuela under a counter-narcotics mission, US officials also held secret discussions with Maduro’s representatives.
According to The New York Times, Maduro suggested stepping down after a transitional period, but the United States rejected the proposal and demanded immediate departure.
US Rejection of Maduro’s Demands
Reuters reported that Maduro asked for full legal immunity for himself and his family, removal of US sanctions, and assistance in halting international criminal investigations. He also sought the lifting of sanctions on more than 100 Venezuelan officials accused by the United States of corruption, drug trafficking, and human-rights abuses.
Maduro additionally proposed that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez lead an interim government before new elections. Trump declined most of the demands but reportedly offered Maduro one week to leave for any country he preferred.
The United States continues to refuse recognition of Maduro—who has ruled since 2013—as Venezuela’s legitimate president, citing large-scale fraud in last year’s election. Independent monitors reported that the opposition had won by a wide margin.
Growing Military Pressure and Uncertain Outlook
The United States has strengthened its military presence in the southern Caribbean, sending submarines and warships in late August. Analysts view the move as an attempt to pressure Maduro into fleeing, noting that such large deployments are uncommon for routine anti-narcotics operations.
In August, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to USD 15 million, accusing him of links to drug-trafficking networks. Maduro denies all allegations, arguing that the United States aims to gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
Although Trump rejected Maduro’s conditions, US officials say the possibility of a negotiated exit has not fully disappeared, and Maduro’s administration has requested another phone call.
Trump has designated nine Latin American drug-trafficking groups as foreign terrorist organizations—two based in Venezuela. Analysts cite the 1989 US intervention in Panama as a precedent, suggesting the current military buildup may be intended to pressure Maduro to leave power.
