Donald Trump has rejected claims that the United States is preparing for war with Venezuela but suggested Nicolás Maduro’s presidency may not last much longer. In an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump said: “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.”
US strikes in the Caribbean spark speculation
Trump’s remarks come as the US military intensifies operations against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. His administration insists the strikes aim to block the flow of narcotics into the country. Critics, however, believe Washington is using the mission to weaken Maduro, a fierce Trump critic. The former president dismissed that view, insisting the campaign serves “many purposes.”
Since early September, at least 64 people have died in US strikes across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, according to American media outlets. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump defended the attacks, claiming each destroyed boat saves “25,000 lives from drugs” and protects families nationwide.
Trump keeps options open on Venezuela
When asked if he might order land strikes in Venezuela, Trump refused to give a clear 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 accused Washington of “fabricating a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed the US uses military pressure to “dominate” Latin America.
Trump links migration surge to Venezuelan gangs
Trump also turned to the issue of migration, saying his government would not allow “people from all over the world” to enter unchecked. “They come in from the Congo, they come in from all over the world, not just from South America,” he said. He pointed to Venezuela as a particular concern, naming the violent group Tren de Aragua. Trump called it “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
Nuclear testing debate reignites under Trump
The interview also touched on nuclear weapons testing, which Trump wants to resume. Asked if the US would detonate a nuclear weapon for the first time in more than 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.” Though both countries have not officially tested nuclear weapons since the 1990s, Trump insisted, “They don’t go and tell you about it.” He added that he does not want the US to be “the only country that doesn’t test,” naming North Korea and Pakistan as others conducting secret tests.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright later said any planned tests would be “non-critical explosions” involving parts of nuclear weapons to verify their performance.
Trump blames Democrats for deepening shutdown
Trump also discussed the ongoing US government shutdown, which has dragged on for more than a month. Millions of Americans have lost access to vital services. He blamed Democrats, calling them “crazed lunatics” who have “lost their way.” Trump said he expects them to eventually back down and vote to end the shutdown. “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” he added.
Legal battles with broadcaster still linger
This was Trump’s first interview with CBS since he sued its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 broadcast with then Vice President Kamala Harris. He claimed the interview had been edited to “tip the scales in favour of the Democratic Party.”
Paramount later agreed to pay $16 million (£13.5 million) to settle the lawsuit, directing the money 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 Lesley Stahl, accusing the programme of bias. He refused to grant an interview to the show during the 2024 election campaign.
