Trump Says Maduro's Days Are Counted But Doubts U.S. Will Go To War With Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview aired Sunday that he believes the tenure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is "counted," while simultaneously downplaying concerns that the U.S. would enter into a war with the Caribbean nation.

The remarks were made during an appearance on the CBS program "60 Minutes," which was recorded Friday and broadcast amid a period of maximum tension fueled by a significant U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.

When journalist Norah O'Donnell asked the President if Maduro's days as Venezuela's leader were limited, Trump responded affirmatively. "I would say yes. I think so," he stated. The comment immediately fueled new speculation regarding how the United States might escalate its pressure campaign against the Chavista regime.

Despite the high concentration of U.S. warships deployed in international waters near Venezuela's territorial limits, Trump expressed skepticism about the possibility of a direct conflict. When questioned about whether the U.S. was heading toward a war with Venezuela, the President replied, "I doubt it. I don't believe it."

The U.S. military buildup in the region continues, with the Pentagon refining its logistics for operations primarily aimed at intercepting vessels designated as "narcoterrorist." The deployment has been a major point of contention between Washington and Caracas, which views the naval presence as a provocative act.

Trump reiterated his standard criticism of the Venezuelan government during the interview, noting that Caracas "has behaved very badly toward us, and not only on the issue of drugs." The U.S. administration has consistently labeled Maduro's government as illegitimate and has imposed severe economic sanctions on the country, alongside issuing indictments against key officials, including Maduro himself, on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption.

The President's comments regarding Maduro's limited time in power come as the U.S. maintains its recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela. The ongoing military operations and the rhetoric from Washington underscore the continued pressure campaign designed to force a transition of power away from Maduro.