Trump Downplays War with venezuela, Hints at Maduro’s Imminent Departure
The United States is unlikely to engage in direct military conflict with Venezuela, according to recent statements by former President Donald Trump, though he suggested the current leadership under nicolás Maduro may not have much time remaining in power. Trump’s remarks, made during an interview with 60 Minutes on CBS, came as the U.S. continues operations targeting suspected drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea.
Trump asserted that each intercepted vessel represents a notable threat, claiming, “Every ship you see shot down kills 25,000 people with drugs and destroys families across our country.” When pressed on the possibility of a ground invasion, Trump declined to rule it out, stating, “I wouldn’t be inclined to say it would… I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela, if I’m going to do it or if I’m not going to do it.”
The Venezuelan government has accused Washington of “manufacturing a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested the U.S. actions are a means to “dominate” Latin America.
During the interview, Trump also expressed concerns about border security, stating his administration “is not going to allow” unrestricted entry into the country. He specifically cited individuals arriving “from the Congo” and “all over the world,” singling out Venezuela as a source of criminal gangs, especially the Aragua Train, which he labeled “the cruelest band in the world.”
[Image of Venezuelan government’s assertion that the US military deployment is aimed at overthrowing Maduro – EPA]
For the past two months, the U.S. military has been building a ample presence in the Caribbean, including warships, fighter planes, bombers, marines, drones, and surveillance aircraft. B-52 long-range bombers have conducted “bomber attack drills” near the Venezuelan coastline. Furthermore, Trump revealed he authorized the deployment of the CIA within the country as tensions escalate.
The conversation also turned to the topic of nuclear weapons testing.Trump indicated his desire to resume U.S.nuclear testing to remain competitive with countries like Russia and China. When asked by CBS’s Norah O’Donnell if he would authorize the detonation of a nuclear weapon for the first time in over three decades, Trump responded, “I’m saying we’re going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes.” He claimed that Russia and China are already conducting such tests, despite their public statements to the contrary. Russia and China have not conducted nuclear tests since 1990 and 1996, respectively.
However, Trump’s Energy Secretary subsequently downplayed the prospect of a nuclear explosion, clarifying that any tests would involve “non-critical explosion[s]” designed to assess the functionality of weapon components.
The interview also touched upon the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has left millions of americans without essential services for over a month.Trump blamed Democrats, whom he derided as “crazed lunatics” who had “lost their way,” but expressed confidence they would eventually concede and vote to end the shutdown. “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” he stated.
This appearance on 60 Minutes marked trump’s first interview with CBS since filing a lawsuit against its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged the interview was edited to favor the Democratic Party. Paramount ultimately agreed to a $16 million settlement,to be directed toward Trump’s future presidential library,without issuing an apology. Trump previously abandoned an interview with Lesley Stahl in 2020,citing perceived bias in the questioning,and declined to participate in an interview during the 2024 election cycle.
