Former President Trump used a profanity at a White House press event with Zelenskyy on Oct. 17, 2025, drawing backlash amid heightened U.S. activity in Venezuela.

On October 17, 2025, former President Donald Trump used a profanity during a live White House press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticizing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro for avoiding conflict with the U.S. The remark, made in response to a reporter’s question, drew immediate backlash and prompted broadcasters to issue apologies. Trump ended the event abruptly, while Vice President JD Vance was seen smiling. The incident, one of several public expletives during his 2024 campaign, highlighted ongoing scrutiny of his rhetoric. It occurred amid heightened U.S. military and intelligence activity in Venezuela, where the administration has designated drug cartels as unlawful combatants.