Donald Trump has denied that the United States is preparing for war with Venezuela but suggested President Nicolás Maduro’s rule is nearing its end. Speaking to CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump said: “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.”
US intensifies operations against drug boats in the Caribbean
Trump’s remarks came as Washington increased strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The White House insists the operations aim to stop narcotics from reaching the US. Critics argue the campaign’s real target is Maduro’s government. Trump dismissed that accusation, saying the missions serve “many purposes.”
At least 64 people have died 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 campaign, claiming every destroyed vessel prevents “25,000 drug-related deaths” and shields American families from addiction.
Trump keeps military options on the table
Pressed on whether he might order strikes on Venezuelan soil, Trump refused to give details. “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 “preparing a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued that the US uses the campaign to “dominate” Latin America.
Trump links border crisis to Venezuelan gangs
Trump also discussed migration, promising stricter border control. “They come in from the Congo, they come in from all over the world, not just from South America,” he said. He blamed Venezuela for exporting criminal networks, naming the violent group Tren de Aragua. Trump called it “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
Nuclear testing back on Trump’s agenda
The conversation turned to nuclear weapons after Trump urged military leaders to restart testing. Asked if the US would detonate a nuclear device for the first time in over 30 years, 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.” Though both nations officially ended nuclear tests decades ago, Trump insisted, “They don’t go and tell you about it.” He said he refuses to let the US be “the only country that doesn’t test,” naming North Korea and Pakistan as other likely testers.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that any testing would involve “non-critical explosions,” designed to ensure nuclear weapons’ internal systems perform correctly.
Trump attacks Democrats over shutdown deadlock
Trump also commented on the prolonged US government shutdown, which has stretched past a month and disrupted vital public services. He blamed Democrats for the stalemate, calling them “crazed lunatics” who have “lost their way.” He predicted they would eventually vote to reopen the government. “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” he said.
Old media feud resurfaces in new interview
This appearance marked Trump’s first interview with CBS since he sued its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 interview with then Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump accused the network of editing the segment to “favor the Democratic Party.”
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million (£13.5 million) to settle the lawsuit, directing the funds to Trump’s future presidential library rather than to him personally. The settlement did not include an apology.
Trump last appeared on 60 Minutes in 2020, when he stormed out of an interview with journalist Lesley Stahl, claiming bias. He declined to take part in the show during the 2024 election campaign.
