Donald Trump has rejected the idea that the United States is heading for war with Venezuela, yet hinted that Nicolás Maduro’s rule may soon end. Speaking to CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump said: “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.”
Washington expands anti-smuggling strikes in the Caribbean
Trump’s comments come as the US intensifies operations against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The administration insists the missions aim to curb the flow of narcotics into the United States. Critics argue the campaign is meant to destabilize Maduro’s government. Trump dismissed that claim, saying the strikes serve “many purposes.”
Since early September, at least 64 people have been killed in US strikes across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, according to American media reports. From his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump defended the operation, claiming each destroyed vessel prevents “25,000 deaths from drugs” and protects American families.
Trump avoids committing on future military action
Pressed on whether he might order direct attacks on Venezuelan territory, Trump refused to confirm or deny it. “I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that… I’m not gonna tell you what I’m gonna do with Venezuela, if I was gonna do it or if I wasn’t going to do it,” he said.
Maduro accused Washington of “creating a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed the US uses the campaign to “control” Latin America.
Trump warns about migration and Venezuelan gangs
Trump also spoke about migration, vowing to stop uncontrolled crossings into the United States. “They come in from the Congo, they come in from all over the world, not just from South America,” he said. He described Venezuela as a key source of criminal activity, blaming gangs such as Tren de Aragua. Trump called it “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
Trump renews calls for US nuclear testing
The discussion shifted to nuclear weapons, a topic Trump reignited by urging the Pentagon to resume testing. Asked if the US would detonate a nuclear device for the first time in over 30 years, he replied: “We’re going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes.”
He added: “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it.” Although both nations officially ended such tests decades ago, Trump insisted, “They don’t go and tell you about it.” He said he refuses to let the US become “the only country that doesn’t test,” mentioning North Korea and Pakistan as well.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that any upcoming tests would involve “non-critical explosions,” designed to verify the internal function of nuclear weapons without triggering a full blast.
Trump targets Democrats over prolonged shutdown
Trump also commented on the ongoing US government shutdown, now stretching beyond a month. Millions of Americans remain affected by halted services. He blamed Democrats for the impasse, calling them “crazed lunatics” who have “lost their way.” Trump predicted they would eventually give in and vote to reopen the government. “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” he said.
Trump revisits legal clash with television network
This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on CBS since he sued its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 broadcast featuring then Vice President Kamala Harris. He accused the network of editing the interview to “favour the Democratic Party.”
Paramount later agreed to pay $16 million (£13.5 million) to settle the lawsuit, directing the funds to Trump’s planned presidential library instead of to him personally. The deal included no formal apology.
Trump last appeared on 60 Minutes in 2020, when he abruptly ended an interview with Lesley Stahl, accusing the programme of bias. He declined to appear on the show during the 2024 election campaign.
