United States President Donald Trump has called on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to resign, following a recent phone conversation between both leaders, according to international media reports.
The call, which both sides later acknowledged took place, was described by Maduro as “respectful and cordial.” However, reports indicate that President Trump used the discussion to press Maduro to relinquish power, proposing political concessions, including possible relief from international pressure, in exchange for leaving office.
Officials familiar with the talks said the U.S. position centred on a political transition in Venezuela, with Trump urging Maduro to step aside as part of efforts to resolve the country’s prolonged political and economic crisis. The discussions allegedly touched on sanctions, international recognition, and Venezuela’s vast oil resources, though no formal agreement was reached.
Maduro, however, refused to accept the proposal, rejecting any arrangement tied to his resignation. Venezuelan officials later framed the U.S. stance as unacceptable interference in the country’s sovereignty, insisting that leadership change could only come through domestic political processes.
Despite Trump’s renewed pressure, Maduro remains in power, underscoring the continued deadlock between Washington and Caracas and raising fresh questions about the future of U.S.–Venezuela relations amid growing geopolitical and energy concerns.