In a recent interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, former US President Donald Trump minimized the likelihood of a military conflict with Venezuela, yet hinted that Nicolás Maduro’s tenure as the country’s leader may soon conclude. When questioned about the potential for war, Trump responded, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.’ His remarks coincide with ongoing US military strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, which the Trump administration claims are essential to curbing drug trafficking into the United States. Trump dismissed allegations that these actions are aimed at ousting Maduro, a long-standing political adversary, asserting instead that they address ‘many things.’ Since early September, US strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have reportedly resulted in at least 64 fatalities, according to CBS News. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump emphasized the broader impact of drug-related violence, stating, ‘Every single boat that you see that’s shot down kills 25,000 on drugs and destroys families all over our country.’ While he declined to rule out potential land-based strikes, Trump remained ambiguous about future actions, saying, ‘I’m not gonna tell you what I’m gonna do with Venezuela.’ Maduro has accused the US of ‘fabricating a new war,’ while Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the strikes as a means for the US to ‘dominate’ Latin America. Trump also highlighted concerns about global migration, particularly singling out Venezuela for its gang-related issues, labeling the Tren de Aragua gang as ‘the most vicious gang anywhere in the world.’ This interview marked Trump’s first appearance on CBS since suing its parent company, Paramount, over a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed was unfairly edited to favor the Democratic Party. The lawsuit was settled for $16 million, allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, without an apology from Paramount. Trump’s last 60 Minutes appearance in 2020 ended abruptly when he walked out of an interview, citing biased questioning.