Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that the United States is preparing for war with Venezuela, though he predicted Nicolás Maduro’s leadership will not last. Speaking on CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump said: “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.”
US expands anti-drug operations across the Caribbean
Trump’s comments come as Washington steps up strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The US government says the goal is to block the flow of narcotics into the country. Critics claim the campaign’s real purpose is to undermine Maduro, one of Trump’s longest-standing rivals. Trump dismissed those claims, insisting the missions serve “many purposes.”
At least 64 people have been killed in US strikes across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September, according to American media reports. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump defended the attacks, saying each destroyed boat saves “25,000 lives from drugs” and protects families across the nation.
Trump avoids confirming future military plans
When asked if he might authorize land strikes in Venezuela, Trump avoided giving a direct answer. “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 has accused Washington of “inventing a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that the United States is using the strikes to “control” Latin America.
Migration and crime dominate Trump’s concerns
Trump also turned to the topic of migration, vowing to tighten US borders. “They come in from the Congo, they come in from all over the world, not just from South America,” he said. He singled out Venezuela, blaming the country for an increase in gang violence. Trump referred to the Venezuelan criminal network Tren de Aragua, calling it “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
Trump reignites nuclear weapons debate
The interview shifted to nuclear weapons after Trump urged military leaders to resume nuclear testing. Asked if he planned for the US to detonate a weapon for the first time in more than three decades, he said: “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 countries have not officially conducted nuclear tests since the 1990s, Trump claimed, “They don’t go and tell you about it.” He said he would not allow the US to be “the only country that doesn’t test,” adding North Korea and Pakistan to his list of alleged testers.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright later downplayed Trump’s comments, saying any planned tests would involve “non-critical explosions” meant to check the weapons’ internal systems.
Trump blames Democrats for the prolonged shutdown
Trump also addressed the ongoing US government shutdown, now stretching beyond a month. Millions of Americans have been left without vital services. He blamed Democrats, calling them “crazed lunatics” who have “lost their way.” Trump predicted that his opponents would eventually back down. “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” he said.
Fallout from lawsuit against television network continues
This appearance marked Trump’s first interview with CBS since he sued its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 broadcast featuring then Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump accused the network of editing the interview to “tilt the election in favour of the Democratic Party.”
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million (£13.5 million) to settle the case, with the funds directed to Trump’s planned presidential library rather than to him personally. The deal did not include an apology.
Trump last appeared on 60 Minutes in 2020, when he abruptly ended an interview with journalist Lesley Stahl, accusing the programme of bias. He refused to sit down with the show during the 2024 election campaign.
