In a wide-ranging interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes, US President Donald Trump defended aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, warned China against any moves on Taiwan, and labeled New York mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani a “communist.” The interview, conducted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, touched on immigration, foreign policy, Venezuela, and the ongoing government shutdown.

Trump dismissed concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ recent operations in Chicago, where officers reportedly used tear gas and smashed car windows during deportation raids.
“I think they haven’t gone far enough because we’ve been held back by liberal judges,” Trump said, arguing that many deportees are “murderers” or “criminals.” Critics have condemned the raids as a “reign of terror” across immigrant neighborhoods.

On US-China relations, Trump refused to disclose details about his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping but said the issue of Taiwan “didn’t come up” because Xi “knows the consequences.”
“He has said, and his people have said, they would never do anything while President Trump is president,” Trump asserted, adding that Beijing understands the risks of military escalation in the Taiwan Strait.

The president also commented on Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered.” While avoiding specifics, Trump hinted at continued pressure through sanctions and military presence, saying, “I’m not saying it’s true or untrue” when asked about a potential land strike.

Amid the ongoing government shutdown—expected to be the longest in US history—Trump urged Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster, which allows a minority to block legislation.
“The Republicans have to get tougher,” he said, adding that Democrats have “become crazed lunatics” for resisting his proposals on healthcare and spending.

Trump denied accusations of using the Justice Department for political retribution after indictments against former officials and critics, including John Bolton and James Comey. “No, not in any way, shape or form,” he said, insisting investigations are carried out “automatically” by “honest people.”

In local politics, Trump waded into New York’s mayoral race, branding Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani a “communist.”
“Communist, not socialist—he’s far worse than that,” Trump said, warning that federal support for New York would be “hard” if Mamdani wins. When asked about comparisons between himself and Mamdani, Trump quipped, “I think I’m a much better-looking person than him.”