Former President Donald Trump made comments following a Reuters report that disclosed the U.S. military was holding two survivors on a Navy vessel. This comes after a U.S. strike on a suspected drug trafficking ship in the Caribbean resulted in two fatalities.

The recent strike is part of a broader initiative declared by Trump to combat what he describes as a “narcoterrorist” threat, which he claims originates from Venezuela and is associated with President Nicolás Maduro.

Responding to a question from a reporter regarding Maduro’s alleged offer of “everything,” including Venezuela’s natural resources, to secure a deal with the U.S., Trump commented, “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to mess around with the United States.”

Trump’s statements were made during a joint press appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House. This took place amidst a significant U.S. 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. However, the Venezuelan government has previously dismissed reports suggesting negotiations by high-ranking officials to remove Maduro from power.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez posted a selfie with Maduro to Telegram on Thursday in response to what she said were “liars.”

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.”