Maduro agrees to resign at White House's request but sets 18-month delay
Photo: Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro (Getty Images)
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is willing to resign, but not for another 18 months. The White House, on the other hand, insists that Vladimir Putin's ally step down immediately as Venezuela's president, reports CNN.
According to CNN sources, Maduro and his associates contacted the White House through various channels. Discussions are ongoing, sources within the US administration confirmed.
In previous talks with the US, Maduro signaled his readiness to eventually step down. However, he is only willing to do so after 18 months, a timeline the US finds unacceptable.
The White House is calling for Maduro's immediate resignation, although some US officials initially argued that the proposal from Caracas might be a more viable solution for both parties.
"While some US officials thought this might be a solution, the White House eventually concluded it would only support a plan that saw Maduro's immediate departure," CNN notes.
US President Donald Trump, according to the article, spoke with Maduro last week. During recent public appearances, Trump stated that a shift in Maduro's stance could save many lives.
"If he's the leader, if we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, that's fine, and if we have to do it the hard way, that's fine, too," he told reporters.
However, according to US media, Trump also warned Maduro of the use of force if he does not step down voluntarily. The conversation took place just days before Maduro and his supporters were designated as terrorists by the US.
Since returning to office in 2025, the US president has said that one of his priorities is combating narcotics, including fentanyl. He has designated Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as the chief "drug kingpin."
After US ships and military units were recently deployed to the Caribbean, Trump announced that the US would "soon" take action to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land. Media outlets had previously reported that Trump and his administration were preparing to launch a new phase of operations targeting Venezuela.
