Donald Trump Downplays Prospect of US-Venezuela War but Warns Maduro’s Regime Faces Uncertain Future
Former US President Donald Trump has dismissed the likelihood of a direct military conflict between the United States and Venezuela but hinted that Nicolás Maduro’s presidency may soon come to an end. In a wide-ranging interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump discussed US military actions in the Caribbean, ongoing drug enforcement operations, and rising tensions with the Venezuelan government.
Trump: “I Doubt It” When Asked About War with Venezuela
When pressed on whether the United States was preparing for war with Venezuela, Trump replied, “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.” His comments came amid a significant buildup of US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including warships, bombers, fighter jets, marines, drones, and surveillance aircraft — the largest deployment in the region in decades.
The US military operations, according to the Trump administration, are primarily aimed at combating drug trafficking. Washington maintains that Venezuela and its allies have been enabling narcotics networks that funnel drugs into the United States.
Largest US Military Buildup in the Caribbean in Decades
Over the past two months, US forces have conducted multiple operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. According to CBS News, at least 64 people have been killed in these US-led strikes since early September.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump defended the military operations, claiming they were saving American lives by intercepting deadly narcotics before they reached US shores. “Every single boat that you see that’s shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families all over our country,” Trump said.
When asked whether the US would consider land-based strikes on Venezuelan soil, Trump declined to rule it out. “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 told 60 Minutes.
B-52 Bombers, CIA Deployment, and Aircraft Carrier Movement
The scope of US military activity has raised questions about Washington’s true objectives. Long-range B-52 bombers have reportedly conducted “bomber attack demonstrations” off the Venezuelan coast, while intelligence sources confirm that CIA assets have been authorized to operate in the region.
The world’s largest aircraft carrier has also been dispatched to the Caribbean, intensifying speculation that the US is preparing for broader action.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of “fabricating a new war” to destabilize his government. In a statement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed Maduro’s concerns, claiming the US military buildup is part of a strategy “to dominate Latin America under the guise of anti-narcotics operations.”
Trump Singles Out Venezuela’s Role in Cross-Border Crime
During the interview, Trump also linked Venezuela to the broader issue of illegal immigration and organized crime. He said the US was “not going to allow” people from all over the world to enter unchecked, adding that Venezuela, in particular, had become a hub for criminal gangs.
“They come in from the Congo, they come in from all over the world, not just from South America. But Venezuela in particular has been bad. They have gangs,” he said, referring specifically to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan crime syndicate that has expanded across Latin America. Trump described it as “the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.”
A Pentagon map released to CBS showed the current positions of US naval forces near Venezuela, reinforcing the scale of military operations underway.
Debate Over US Nuclear Weapons Testing
The interview also touched on a separate but equally controversial topic — nuclear weapons testing. Trump recently called on the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing to keep pace with countries such as Russia and China. When CBS anchor Norah O’Donnell asked if the US would detonate a nuclear weapon for the first time in over 30 years, Trump said, “I’m saying that we’re going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes.”
However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified in a Fox News interview that the US government had no immediate plans to conduct nuclear explosions, attempting to ease growing global concerns.
Ongoing US Government Shutdown and Partisan Tensions
The discussion also turned to domestic politics, particularly the ongoing US government shutdown — now the longest in modern American history. Millions of Americans have been affected by the halt in government operations, with essential services disrupted nationwide.
Trump placed the blame squarely on Democrats, accusing them of obstructing progress for political gain. “They’re crazed lunatics,” he said. “They’ve lost their way.” Yet, he expressed confidence that Democrats would “eventually capitulate” and agree to end the shutdown.
“And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem,” Trump added, signaling no intention to compromise.
Legal Battles with CBS and the Media
This appearance marked Trump’s first 60 Minutes interview since suing CBS’s parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 broadcast featuring then–Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged that the network had edited the interview to “tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party” during the presidential campaign.
Paramount later agreed to a $16 million (£13.5 million) settlement, though the funds were directed toward Trump’s planned presidential library rather than to him personally. The company also made it clear that the settlement did not constitute an admission of guilt or include a formal apology.
Trump’s previous appearance on 60 Minutes came in 2020, when he famously walked out of an interview with journalist Lesley Stahl, accusing the network of bias. During the 2024 campaign, he refused all interview requests from the program.
Venezuela’s Fragile State Amid Growing Tensions
Meanwhile, inside Venezuela, conditions remain dire. The country continues to face a crippling economic crisis, hyperinflation, and widespread shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. The political opposition has largely been silenced, with Maduro consolidating power despite international sanctions.
Observers say the latest US military actions, coupled with Trump’s remarks, could escalate tensions further. “Even if Washington claims its operations are about narcotics, any misstep could be interpreted by Caracas as an act of aggression,” said political analyst Carlos Becerra.
Humanitarian organizations have also expressed concern that renewed conflict could trigger another wave of refugees from Venezuela, where millions have already fled to neighboring Colombia, Brazil, and beyond.
Analysts Question Washington’s Real Intentions
Experts remain divided over Trump’s true objectives in the region. Some believe the military buildup is intended to pressure Maduro into political concessions without direct confrontation. Others argue it’s part of a broader geopolitical strategy to reassert US influence in Latin America amid rising Chinese and Russian presence.
“There’s a long history of American involvement in Latin America under the pretext of drug enforcement,” said Professor Ana Suárez of Georgetown University. “The question is whether this is about drugs — or about regime change.”
Conclusion: Trump Keeps His Strategy Ambiguous
As the situation develops, Trump’s comments have only added to the uncertainty surrounding US intentions toward Venezuela. While he insists that war is unlikely, the scale of military mobilization and intelligence operations paints a more complex picture.
Whether aimed at deterring drug cartels, countering rival powers, or pushing for regime change, Washington’s moves have placed Venezuela back at the center of global attention. For now, Trump is keeping his cards close to his chest — leaving both allies and adversaries guessing what comes next.