Donald Trump recently addressed the prospect of a potential conflict between the United States and Venezuela, indicating skepticism about any imminent military action. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump stated, “I doubt it. I don’t think so. But they’ve been treating us very badly.” His comments come amid ongoing U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, which the administration asserts are necessary to combat drug trafficking into the U.S.
Despite inquiries suggesting that these actions could be politically motivated to undermine Nicolás Maduro’s presidency, Trump clarified that the situation encompasses “many things.” Reports indicate that U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have resulted in at least 64 fatalities since early September. Trump emphasized the importance of these operations, claiming that each boat destroyed would save many lives from drug-related issues.
When pressed about the possibility of ground strikes in Venezuela, Trump was noncommittal, stating, “I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that.” He provided no definitive information about future actions, maintaining a level of uncertainty regarding U.S. intentions.
In response to U.S. actions, Maduro accused the United States of “fabricating a new war,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro suggested that the strikes are part of a strategy to exert control over Latin America. Trump asserted that the U.S. government is resolute in controlling immigration, citing threats from gangs, particularly the Tren de Aragua from Venezuela.
The interview marked Trump’s first appearance on CBS since a lawsuit against the network’s parent company, Paramount, regarding an edited 2024 interview with then Vice-President Kamala Harris. As part of a settlement, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million, with funds designated for Trump’s future presidential library, rather than being paid directly to him. This appearance followed a contentious previous interview in 2020, during which Trump walked out over perceived bias in questioning.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c709rwxzx9yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss