Pool Report 6 - China, Submarine, Putin, Maduro
- From
- Meridith McGraw
- Sent
- Friday, October 17, 2025, 2:25 PM
President Trump said he will likely be meeting with Chinese President Xi in South Korea. “It looks like that is going forward,” Trump said. He said they have a good relationship. “China wants to talk.”
Bessent said the two leaders have “great respect” and after China’s escalation they weren’t able to get in touch. He said he will be speaking with the Chinese Vice Premier around 8p tonight in DC and then in Malaysia.
Bessent said he hopes China will show them the same respect. He said things have “de-escalated.”
Trump said, “we're in a very strong position” with China. He said he could move the Nov 1 deadline up if he wants to.
Trump reflected at length on being a peace keeping president, and the Israel deal.
On Venezuela boat strike and survivors: Sec. Rubio said he’s not prepared to share more details. Trump jumped into provide those details. “It was 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.”
Trump said he just learned about a potential tunnel from Russia to Alaska. Zelensky said he’s “not happy with” the idea.
Trump asked if Putin is trying to buy time:
“You know, I've been played all my life by the best… I think that he wants to make a deal. I made eight of them. I think he wants to make a deal.”
Trump asked about why Maduro is making offers, and Trump said, “You know why? Because he doesn't want to fuck around for the United States. Thank you very much everyone.”
Pool was dismissed. Lunch was waiting to be served outside the Cabinet Room doors.
Meridith McGraw
WHITE HOUSE REPORTER
M: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E: [EMAIL ADDRESS] (mailto:[EMAIL ADDRESS]) T: @meridithmcgraw