In a wide-ranging and confrontational interview aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes” on November 2, 2025, President Donald J. Trump sat down with journalist Norah O’Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, marking his first appearance on the program in over five years.
Key Takeaways from the Interview
- U.S.-China Relations: Trump described his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “strong,” despite past tensions over COVID-19. He emphasized renewed trade negotiations and hinted at a potential summit in early 2026.
- Immigration and ICE Raids: Trump defended aggressive immigration enforcement, stating that current ICE tactics “haven’t gone far enough,” and called for expanded authority to conduct raids without warrants.
- Venezuela and Foreign Policy: While ruling out a full-scale war, Trump suggested that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s “time is up,” signaling possible covert pressure or sanctions.
- Government Shutdown: Trump blamed Democrats for the ongoing federal shutdown, asserting it would end only if they “give in” on border security and budget demands.
- Nuclear Testing and Tariffs: He floated the idea of resuming nuclear weapons testing and hinted at new tariffs on European goods, citing “unfair trade practices.”
- 2028 and Beyond: When asked if he would step down after a second term, Trump deflected, saying, “We’ll see what the people want,” raising eyebrows about his long-term intentions.
Media and Political Reactions
- Democrats: Condemned the interview as “authoritarian theater,” with Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling his ICE comments “chilling.”
- Republicans: Largely rallied behind Trump, praising his “unfiltered leadership.”
- CBS News: Defended airing the full 90-minute segment, citing public interest and editorial independence.
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