Tensions between the United States and Venezuela resurfaced Friday during President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, after the president confirmed reports that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro attempted to negotiate a deal to remain in power.

Before the two presidents sat down for lunch, a reporter asked Trump about recent reports claiming Maduro offered extensive concessions to the United States — including oil, gold, and other mineral rights — in exchange for the U.S. backing off efforts to remove him from office.

Maduro, widely regarded by the international community as Venezuela’s illegitimate president, has refused to step down following a disputed election last year.

According to administration officials, Maduro’s alleged offer was conveyed through informal diplomatic channels earlier this month during preliminary discussions with Richard Grenell, though the talks were quickly halted by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

When asked directly whether the reports were accurate, the president confirmed them without hesitation.

“He has offered everything, you’re right,” Trump said.

“You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f**k around with the United States.”

FAFO. pic.twitter.com/Zh9v18ynzy

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 17, 2025

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The remark drew quick attention from reporters in the room.

Trump has made no secret of his efforts to pressure the Maduro regime, which is under U.S. sanctions and accused of widespread human rights abuses and narcotics trafficking.

The U.S. government has previously placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s capture, labeling him a wanted fugitive on drug smuggling charges.

Over the past several months, the United States has expanded its operations targeting Venezuelan drug routes in the Caribbean.

The administration confirmed that multiple drug-laden vessels connected to the Maduro regime have been intercepted and destroyed.

The president on Friday also confirmed the latest such operation, which involved the destruction of what he described as a “drug-carrying submarine.”

“We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amount of drugs,” Trump said.

“Just so you understand, this was not an innocent group of people. I don’t know too many people that have submarines. That was an attack on a drug-carrying, loaded up submarine.”

.@POTUS: “We attacked a submarine. That was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs — just so you understand. This was not an innocent group of people.” pic.twitter.com/4dTsbysG3c

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 17, 2025

According to a report from Reuters, the incident occurred Thursday in the Caribbean Sea and resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

Two others survived and were taken into custody by the U.S. Navy.

The vessel, authorities said, had been designed to evade detection and was carrying a large quantity of narcotics destined for international distribution.

The operation was part of a broader U.S. effort to target Venezuela’s illicit drug networks, which officials say help finance Maduro’s hold on power.

The Trump administration has intensified sanctions, coordinated military patrols, and provided support to democratic opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who is recognized by the United States and several allied nations as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state.

Maduro’s regime has repeatedly denied the accusations, characterizing the U.S. actions as imperialist aggression.

In recent months, the Venezuelan leader has sought to strengthen ties with Cuba, Russia, and Iran while calling on the United Nations to intervene.

Following news of the intercepted submarine, Maduro’s government issued a brief statement through state media accusing the U.S. of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Venezuelan officials have not addressed the reported offer of oil and gold in exchange for U.S. recognition.

The White House has maintained its position that Maduro must step down and that Venezuela’s resources belong to its people.

Officials have reiterated that no deal will be accepted that allows Maduro to remain in power.

Trump’s comments came as the administration continues to expand its foreign policy initiatives in Latin America.

The president’s remarks, coupled with confirmation of new operations against Venezuelan drug assets, signal a continued hardline stance against the Maduro regime and its efforts to secure legitimacy through backchannel negotiations.

As of Friday evening, Venezuelan state media had not responded to Trump’s latest statement.

However, U.S. officials said intelligence suggests Maduro has already moved assets and increased security following the president’s confirmation of the attempted deal.