Trump Uses Profanity in Conversation with Zelensky Regarding Maduro

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On Friday, President Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, using strong language to caution him against provoking the United States. This comes as the U.S. intensifies its military operations targeting drug trafficking in the region.

During a luncheon at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump remarked, “He doesn’t want to mess with the U.S.,” using an expletive for emphasis.

Trump mentioned that Maduro had extended numerous offers during diplomatic negotiations with the U.S., which Trump reportedly halted the previous week.

According to The New York Times, Maduro’s proposals included granting the U.S. significant control over Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, as part of protracted discussions between the two nations.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that Venezuelan government officials had also floated a plan for Maduro to eventually leave office as a bid to ease mounting pressure from the Trump administration.

“He has offered everything. He’s offered everything,” Trump said. “You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f‑‑‑ around with the United States.”

Trump confirmed earlier this week that he authorized the CIA to expand covert operations inside Venezuela, and that has raised the possibility of direct action against Maduro.

The Venezuelan president, who much of the international community views as illegitimate, was indicted in the U.S. in 2020 on charges of leading a drug cartel.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security adviser, increased a reward to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.

Rubio is seen as a driving force behind the push to oust Maduro from Caracas, although Trump has said his main motivation is to stop drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Trump is escalating a military campaign against what the administration says are narco terrorists trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea, and he said he is looking at “land” operations as part of the campaign.

Venezuela’s opposition, which is recognized as the legitimate winners of the 2024 election, are welcoming Trump’s tough talk on Maduro. María Corina Machado, leader of the opposition and recent winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, dedicated her award to Trump and appealed to the U.S. to help win the “war” against Maduro.

Trump on Friday acknowledged her dedication but said, “I don’t know who she is.”