The White House said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is "prepared to use every element of American power" to stem the flow of narcotics from Venezuela, underscoring a naval buildup under way off the South American nation’s coast. According to U.S. officials cited by Reuters and regional media, three guided-missile destroyers—the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson—will enter waters near Venezuela within the next 36 hours. The task force, backed by P-8 surveillance aircraft and at least one attack submarine, will operate in international waters and airspace for several months. Roughly 4,000 sailors and Marines are part of the deployment, which Washington says could be used for targeted strikes on drug-trafficking networks. Asked whether the operation could expand to “boots on the ground,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump has not ruled out any option. “Maduro is not a legitimate president,” she said, repeating the administration’s long-held stance toward Caracas. Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro responded during a televised appearance late Monday, vowing that “no one will set foot on Venezuelan soil,” while China’s Foreign Ministry urged all major powers to act responsibly to maintain regional stability.