During an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes that aired Sunday, Trump was asked by host Norah O'Donnell whether he believed Maduro's regime was nearing its end.
'I would say yeah. I think so,' Trump responded, highlighting the growing pressure the U.S. is placing on Caracas.
While the president did not explicitly call for military intervention, his comments reflect the U.S. administration's ongoing focus on applying pressure to Maduro's government. In recent months, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, citing concerns over regional security and the activities of criminal networks alleged to be linked to Maduro's administration.
The Trump administration has accused the Venezuelan government of involvement in drug trafficking, indicting Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials on federal drug-related charges, and has repeatedly stated that it will not shy away from confronting these activities.
However, Trump emphasised that military action is not yet on the table, though continued pressure remains a key part of U.S. policy.
'I wouldn't be inclined to say that I would do that,' Trump said when asked about potential military strikes inside Venezuela, without providing further details. On Friday, he also denied media reports suggesting that attacks on Venezuelan military installations could be imminent.
Several U.S. media outlets had reported that the administration planned strikes on military targets in Venezuela as part of its efforts against 'narco-terrorism,' with the possibility of operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Washington has accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal network designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization earlier this year. At least 14 U.S. strikes have reportedly been carried out since early September, resulting in over 60 deaths.
Rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns over the legality of these operations, arguing that strikes on alleged drug vessels may violate international law. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the attacks 'unacceptable' and urged an independent investigation into what his office described as extrajudicial killings.
Meanwhile, Maduro has dismissed U.S. allegations as 'vulgar' and 'totally fake,' insisting that Venezuela does not produce cocaine leaves. He warned that U.S. military movements near the country's coast signal preparations for 'a new, eternal war.' Maduro also accuses Trump of seeking regime change in Venezuela to steal the country's oil.
Rania Umutoni
