President Donald Trump affirmed during a ’60 Minutes’ interview that Nicolás Maduro’s time as Venezuela’s president is likely over, citing the escalating U.S. military actions against drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. The U.S. has carried out more than a dozen strikes on suspected narco-terrorist ships, killing dozens of suspected criminals, while the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have been deployed to the Southern Command region, raising questions about potential U.S. intentions toward Venezuela.
Trump, in the interview, criticized Maduro’s regime for sending criminals and mentally ill individuals into the United States, a claim that he linked to former President Joe Biden’s alleged ineptitude in border control. He defended the recent military operations, asserting that the focus is on stopping the flow of drugs and criminals rather than direct conflict with Venezuela.
When asked if Maduro’s days as president were numbered, Trump responded affirmatively, indicating that he believes the Venezuelan leader’s tenure is nearing its end. However, Trump declined to comment on reports of possible land strikes in Venezuela, emphasizing that he would not engage in discussions about plans for strikes against other countries.
Despite Trump’s statements, the U.S. has not officially announced any plans for a direct military strike on Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House dismissed reports citing unnamed sources about such plans. Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth acknowledged the possibility of future actions but refused to divulge any operational details.
Trump’s comments have sparked debate about the potential for a wider campaign against Venezuela, with critics suggesting that the U.S. military’s actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the Maduro government. This situation has heightened tensions in the region, with implications for regional stability and international relations.