President Donald Trump has delivered mixed messages about potential US involvement in Venezuela, suggesting its leader Nicolás Maduro’s days in power are limited while casting doubt on any immediate war.
In a CBS “60 Minutes” interview released Sunday, Trump said he did not expect the US to go to war with Venezuela. “I doubt it. I don’t think so,” he said when asked directly. Yet, on Maduro’s tenure, Trump added, “I would say yeah. I think so, yeah,” indicating he sees the Venezuelan president’s rule as nearing its end.
The remarks come as the US increases its military presence in the Caribbean and carries out multiple strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, reportedly killing dozens. Over 15 such operations in recent weeks have resulted in at least 65 deaths, sparking criticism from regional governments. Washington has not released public evidence confirming the vessels posed a threat or were smuggling narcotics.
Maduro, facing US drug-related indictments, has accused Washington of using the drug trade as a pretext to impose regime change and seize Venezuelan oil resources.
In the same interview, Trump shifted to global security concerns, claiming Russia and China have conducted undisclosed underground nuclear tests. He warned that the US would begin testing nuclear weapons to match other nations, including North Korea and Pakistan.
“I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test,” Trump said. His comments raised confusion over whether he intended to authorize the first US nuclear detonation since 1992. He had earlier announced on social media that he instructed the “Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” shortly before a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Experts note that no country outside North Korea has conducted a nuclear detonation for decades. Russia’s last known nuclear test was in 1990, and China’s in 1996. Trump clarified that tests by Russia and China occur underground, producing subtle vibrations, implying that the US should adopt similar measures.
However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright downplayed the prospect of actual nuclear explosions, telling Fox News, “I think the tests we’re talking about right now are system tests. These are not nuclear explosions.” The US remains a signatory of the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which prohibits all atomic test explosions.
Trump also addressed domestic issues, stating he will not be pressured by Democrats to reopen the government amid a shutdown entering its sixth week. On the prospect of a third presidential term, Trump said, “I don’t even think about it,” acknowledging constitutional limits. He also criticized immigration enforcement for not deporting enough undocumented residents.
Analysts suggest Trump’s comments on Venezuela, nuclear weapons, and domestic policy reflect a combination of strategic signaling abroad and political positioning at home. The president’s stance on Maduro’s leadership and potential nuclear testing adds uncertainty to US foreign and security policy.
As the US maintains military operations in the Caribbean and debates nuclear testing, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring Trump’s next moves. While he signals caution regarding war in Venezuela, his remarks suggest continued pressure on Maduro and an emphasis on US military readiness.
