President Trump blamed Democrats as "crazed lunatics" who have "lost their way" for a government shutdown that began a month ago and is on track to surpass the 35-day record set during his first term in 2018-2019, with no deal in sight.
The standoff centers on Democrats' demand that Republicans extend Obamacare subsidies for over 20 million Americans, while Trump offered no immediate plan to address rising health care costs.
Furloughed federal workers remain unpaid, active-duty military and deployed National Guard continue duties with delayed pay, and millions of Americans risk losing November food stamp benefits.
Trump said his strategy is to "keep voting," noting Republicans are unified in favor of ending the shutdown while Democrats block it—contrary to their past support in 18 prior instances. "They always voted for an extension," he said.
The remarks came during Trump's first 60 Minutes interview in five years, conducted by Norah O'Donnell at Mar-a-Lago. It marked his return to CBS after settling a 2024 lawsuit over a Kamala Harris interview; no apology was issued. The wide-ranging discussion also covered China, Venezuela, tariffs, and immigration.
Here’s a breakdown of the most significant moments from the 73-minute interview with Norah O’Donnell:
🛂 1. Immigration & Domestic Enforcement Trump said ICE “hasn’t gone far enough” and vowed to invoke the Insurrection Act “in a heartbeat” to deploy military forces into U.S. cities. He defended tear-gas and window-smashing raids, calling them necessary for public safety and claiming many targeted migrants were “murderers”.
🏛️ 2. Government Shutdown Blamed Democrats for the ongoing shutdown, accusing them of “extortion” over border-wall and spending demands. Warned of chaos by the November 15 deadline, but predicted a resolution: “We’re gonna get it done”.
🌎 3. Venezuela & Drug-War Escalation Asserted Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered”, though said war was unlikely. Defended sinking “drug boats” as proportionate, dismissing O’Donnell’s critique as “a blowtorch to cook an egg”.
☢️ 4. Nuclear Weapons & Arms Race Confirmed resumption of underground nuclear testing in the U.S.
Accused China and Pakistan of secret tests, and claimed his tariff threats stopped a potential India-Pakistan nuclear war in May 2025. Said he wants denuclearization talks with Putin and Xi, but will modernize the U.S. arsenal first.
🇨🇳 5. China, Trade & Tech Claimed he forced Xi Jinping “to the table” and touted new trade deals including rare-earth minerals and agricultural purchases. Banned Nvidia’s most advanced chips from export to China, while allowing older models. On Taiwan: “You’ll find out” if he’d defend it militarily.
🕊️ 6. Middle East & Abraham Accords Predicted Saudi Arabia will join the Accords without requiring a Palestinian state. Called the Gaza ceasefire “not fragile” and vowed Hamas would be “eliminated immediately” if it re-arms. Praised Netanyahu and pledged U.S. help with his corruption trial.
Claimed Iran has “no nuclear capabilities” due to his pressure.
₿ 7. Crypto & Controversial Pardons Defended pardoning Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), calling it a “Biden witch hunt.” Denied knowing CZ, despite Binance’s $2B purchase of Trump-family stablecoin before the pardon.
🚫 8. No Third Term Shut down speculation about a 2028 run: “I don’t think about it”.
📈 9. Economy & Personal Style Touted stock-market highs and falling inflation.
Brought print-outs of “wars I’ve ended” and bragged about the CBS settlement: “They paid me a lot of money… You can’t have fake news.” Praised CBS’s new ownership under Skydance and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, calling it “the greatest thing that’s happened… to a free and open… press”.
The White House released the full unedited 73-minute video, accusing CBS of selective editing—echoing the 2024 lawsuit over a Kamala Harris segment. Trump’s tone was described as energized, combative, and detail-heavy, with supporters calling it vintage “let Trump be Trump.”
The White House released the full unedited 73-minute video, accusing CBS of selective editing—echoing the 2024 lawsuit over a Kamala Harris segment. Trump’s tone was described as energized, combative, and detail-heavy, with supporters calling it vintage “let Trump be Trump.”