In his first interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes” in five years, President Donald Trump indicated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s hold on power may be nearing its end.
Speaking with correspondent Norah O’Donnell, Trump reaffirmed his long-standing position that Maduro, who he has previously described as a threat to democracy and regional stability, could soon be removed from office.
“On Venezuela in particular, are Maduro’s days as president numbered?” O’Donnell asked during the Sunday broadcast. Trump replied simply, “I would say yeah. I think so, yeah,” signaling confidence in ongoing U.S. efforts to counter Maduro’s regime.
Trump’s comments come amid continued concern over Venezuela’s role in the global drug trade. Reports late last week suggested that the Trump administration examined potential land targets in Venezuela connected to drug trafficking.
These sites reportedly involve military assets used to facilitate narcotics operations into the United States. Last month, Trump confirmed he had authorized CIA operations aimed at countering both the drug trade and Maduro personally. The former president’s administration has labeled Maduro a top cartel leader and placed a $50 million bounty on him.
While Trump acknowledged the intelligence and operational measures taken against Maduro, he declined to confirm or deny any plans for direct military action on Venezuelan soil. “I’m not saying it’s true or untrue,” he told O’Donnell regarding reports of potential strikes. “I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that. But – because I don’t talk to a reporter about whether or not I’m gonna strike. You’re a wonderful reporter, you’re very talented, but I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela, if I was gonna do it, or if I wasn’t going to do it.”
The interview also addressed the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move some analysts interpreted as a show of strength in the region. Trump downplayed the significance of the deployment, noting simply, “It’s gotta be somewhere. It’s a big one,” when asked about the carrier’s purpose.
Conservatives and foreign policy observers may view Trump’s comments as a continuation of his administration’s focus on confronting authoritarian regimes that threaten U.S. interests. Trump’s renewed statements suggest that countering Maduro remains a priority, particularly in light of the president’s emphasis on combating organized crime and protecting American borders.
The interview underscores Trump’s approach to foreign policy as pragmatic and results-driven. By highlighting ongoing CIA operations and signaling confidence in Maduro’s potential downfall, Trump reinforced his record on defending U.S. interests abroad while remaining deliberately circumspect on operational specifics.
As tensions continue in Latin America, Trump’s remarks provide a reminder of the United States’ willingness to take firm action against foreign leaders whose regimes are intertwined with criminal enterprises, reinforcing the former president’s reputation for prioritizing security and the rule of law on the international stage.
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