Former President Donald Trump recently addressed a report by Reuters, which noted that the US military was holding two individuals aboard a Navy vessel. This followed a US operation targeting a suspected drug trafficking ship in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The strike on Thursday marked the latest move in Trump’s declared initiative against what he terms a “narcoterrorist” threat, allegedly originating from Venezuela and connected to its leader, Nicolás Maduro.
In response to a journalist’s question regarding rumors that Maduro had offered extensive concessions, including Venezuela’s natural resources, to negotiate with the US, Trump commented: “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to mess with the United States.”
These comments came during a joint press event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House. The statements were made against the backdrop of a significant US military presence in the Caribbean, featuring guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops.
The Venezuelan communication ministry did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment. Nevertheless, the Venezuelan government has previously dismissed reports suggesting that high-ranking officials were involved in talks to remove Maduro from power.
In a defiant gesture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez shared a selfie with Maduro on Telegram, responding to what she described as “liars” spreading misinformation.
On Wednesday, Trump disclosed he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to oust Maduro.
Maduro has denied any connection to drug smuggling and denounced the U.S. boat strikes as a pretext for regime change, portraying them as violations of sovereignty and international law.
Trump, who had campaigned unsuccessfully for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, also brought up this year’s winner, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The 58-year-old industrial engineer was awarded the coveted prize last Friday.
“I didn’t get a Nobel Prize. Somebody got it, who’s a very nice woman, very nice,” Trump said. “I don’t know who she is, but she was very generous. So I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives.”
