TT T.R.U.M.P JUST GAVE MADURO 24 HOURS TO GET OUT OR BE TRAPPED FOREVER…Secret call from the White House: “Resign right now and we’ll fly you and your family out safely… or watch U.S. jets lock Venezuela’s skies and you never leave.”
The Trump administration delivered a stark ultimatum to Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro via a direct phone call to Caracas, demanding his immediate resignation with guaranteed safe evacuation for him, his wife Cilia Flores, and son Nicolás Jr.—or face U.S.-enforced closure of Venezuela’s airspace. The “exit or else” warning, reported by Reuters and CNN amid surging naval deployments, ties to Trump’s covert CIA authorization for lethal ops and counter-narcotics strikes sinking drug boats. Maduro’s regime branded it a “regime change plot” for oil, vowing UN complaints.
Trump’s rhetoric peaked November 16: “Destroy or step back,” signaling military readiness post-briefings on land strikes inside Venezuela. Operation Southern Spear deploys 15K troops, USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, and destroyers off Caracas—framed as anti-cartel but experts eye Maduro ouster. A $50M bounty for Maduro’s arrest on trafficking charges underscores pressure.
Ultimatum Details and Caracas Response
The call offered exile guarantees—likely to Russia or Cuba—but only “on the spot,” per leaks. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil decried violations of international law, accusing oil grabs. Maduro, clinging post-2024 disputed election, faces opposition from Edmundo González (Spain exile) and María Corina Machado (in hiding). Trump recognizes González, eyeing 100-hour transition sans U.S. boots—experts doubt viability without sustained aid.
Escalation follows CIA greenlight for Caribbean ops, five vessel sinkings. Trump: “Venezuela feels the heat” over border floods and drugs. No invasion confirmed, but buildup signals “permanent pause” on threats.
Strategic Context and Risks
Trump’s playbook revives 2019 Guaidó backing—failed coup then. Now, amid Tren de Aragua gang ties, he vows no half-measures. Experts warn: Maduro’s fall risks chaos, needing 5-10 year U.S. commitment for military rebuild, funds thaw. Retaliation looms—oil rig hits, regional spillovers.
Opposition scrambles: González’s plan demands U.S. security; Machado needs comms. Trump eyes quick win sans quagmire, per Politico.
Global and Domestic Fallout
Allies fracture: Brazil’s Lula urges talks; Colombia braces refugees. Domestically, GOP cheers “America First”; Dems fear forever war. Polls: 60% back pressure, 40% invasion averse.
Maduro’s “days numbered,” per Trump—doubts full war but options open. Airspace threat escalates: no-fly enforcement via carriers? Bloomberg notes clarity imminent.
This “stern” gambit tests resolve: resignation or strikes? Hemisphere watches.
