President Donald Trump has downplayed growing speculation about a possible US military conflict with Venezuela. Speaking in a recent interview, he made it clear that a war is unlikely but hinted that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro may not remain in power for long.
The remarks came amid ongoing US air and sea operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has defended these missions as necessary measures to combat the flow of narcotics, even as some foreign leaders accuse the US of trying to interfere in Venezuela’s politics.
Trump also addressed immigration and regional instability, criticizing the presence of violent gangs entering the United States and blaming Venezuela for allowing organized crime to spread beyond its borders. The interview, which marked his first appearance on CBS since his 2024 lawsuit against its parent company, stirred renewed attention to both his foreign and domestic policies.
The Interview and His Remarks
During his conversation with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump was asked directly if the US planned to go to war with Venezuela. He replied, “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they have been treating us very badly.” His tone suggested firm disapproval of Venezuela’s leadership but no immediate intent for military action.
From his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump defended current US strikes on drug-smuggling boats, explaining that each operation prevents thousands of drug-related deaths across America. “Every single boat that you see shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families all over our country,” he said.
When pressed on whether the US would consider land strikes, Trump did not give a clear answer. “I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,” he explained, adding that he preferred not to reveal his next steps regarding Venezuela.
Background and Criticism
Since early September, at least 64 people have been reported killed in US operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, according to CBS News. These missions, launched as part of Trump’s anti-drug campaign, have drawn criticism from Latin American leaders. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of “fabricating a new war,” while Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro claimed the strikes were an attempt to “dominate Latin America.”
Trump dismissed such allegations, insisting that US actions were aimed at protecting national security and reducing drug inflows, not regime change. He added that the administration was determined to stop illegal migration, emphasizing, “They come in from the Congo, from all over the world. But Venezuela in particular has been bad. They have gangs.” He singled out the Tren de Aragua cartel, describing it as “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
Legal History With CBS
This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on CBS since his 2024 lawsuit against the network’s parent company, Paramount. The lawsuit stemmed from an earlier interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump claimed had been unfairly edited to favor the Democratic Party.
Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement, directing the funds toward Trump’s proposed presidential library rather than to him personally. The company did not issue an apology as part of the agreement. Trump’s last 60 Minutes appearance before this was in 2020 when he walked out mid-interview, accusing the show of bias.
While Trump has ruled out immediate war with Venezuela, the situation in Latin America remains tense. His firm stance on drug trafficking, border control, and foreign interference continues to shape his administration’s regional agenda. Observers believe his approach will likely evolve as economic and security developments unfold in the months ahead.
