Former US President Donald Trump's recent phone call with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has sparked intense debate and raised questions about the US government's stance on the South American nation.
Controversy Surrounds Trump-Maduro Phone Call
According to a report by The New York Times, Trump spoke with Maduro by phone last week, sparking concern among US lawmakers and diplomats about the potential implications of the call.
The exact nature of the conversation remains unclear, although sources close to the matter suggest that Trump expressed his desire to improve relations with Venezuela, which has been crippled by a severe economic crisis under Maduro's leadership.
US Lawmakers Criticize Trump's Move
Several US lawmakers have come out against the phone call, citing concerns that it may undermine the US government's efforts to support Venezuelan opposition leaders and promote democratic reform in the country.
"This phone call is a betrayal of the Venezuelan people and a slap in the face to the brave men and women who are fighting for freedom and democracy in Venezuela," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, also expressed his opposition to the call, stating that it "only serves to legitimize the Maduro regime and undermine the efforts of the Venezuelan people to restore democracy and freedom."
International Community Weighs In
The international community has also begun to weigh in on the Trump-Maduro phone call, with many countries expressing concern about the implications of the conversation.
In a statement, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, called on the US to clarify its stance on Venezuela and to support the country's democratic opposition.
The Organization of American States also issued a statement condemning the phone call and urging the US to take a more active role in supporting democratic reform in Venezuela.
As the controversy surrounding the Trump-Maduro phone call continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US government will respond to the backlash from lawmakers and the international community.