Trump Pressed on Government Shutdown, Nuclear Weapons Testing, and ICE Raids

President Donald Trump returned to CBS's "60 Minutes" for a wide-ranging interview that tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the nation. In his first sit-down with the program since settling a lawsuit with CBS, Trump addressed the ongoing government shutdown, controversial ICE enforcement tactics, and his directive to resume nuclear weapons testing—marking a significant policy shift that could reshape America's defense strategy.

Trump Defends Nuclear Testing Decision Amid International Concerns

In one of the interview's most contentious moments, Trump defended his recent order for the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, a practice the United States abandoned in 1992. The president claimed that Russia and China are conducting covert nuclear tests, though he provided no evidence to support these allegations.

"Russia's testing nuclear weapons, and China's testing them, too. You just don't know about it," Trump stated during the interview. When pressed by correspondent Norah O'Donnell, he doubled down: "We're going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes."

Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that the testing would involve "systems tests" rather than actual nuclear explosions, contradicting the president's statements. The last confirmed nuclear test by China occurred in 1996, while Russia hasn't conducted one since 1990, making Trump's claims particularly controversial among arms control experts.

Government Shutdown Enters Critical Phase

As the government shutdown approaches record-breaking length, Trump offered little indication of compromise. The president placed blame squarely on Democrats, stating they "keep voting against ending it" while Republicans vote "almost unanimously" to reopen the government.

Stalemate Over Healthcare Subsidies

The shutdown's core issue revolves around Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year's end. Democrats refuse to pass a continuing resolution without commitments to extend these subsidies, which prevent sharp premium increases for millions of Americans. Trump acknowledged he would discuss healthcare with Democrats after the government reopens but stopped short of proposing his own healthcare plan.

"We will work on fixing the bad healthcare that we have," Trump said. "Right now, we have terrible healthcare and too expensive for the people, not for the government, for the people."

ICE Raids and Immigration Enforcement Under Scrutiny

Trump strongly defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics that have drawn criticism for their aggressive nature. When shown videos of ICE agents deploying tear gas in Chicago residential neighborhoods and smashing car windows, the president remained unapologetic.

Controversial Deportation Tactics

"I think they haven't gone far enough because we've been held back by the judges, by the liberal judges that were put in by Biden and by Obama," Trump told O'Donnell when asked if ICE had gone too far.

The president justified the hardline approach by emphasizing his administration's policy: "You came into the country illegally. You're going to go out." These comments come as videos circulating online show federal agents in unmarked vehicles conducting raids in major cities, raising concerns about civil liberties and due process.

Political Implications and New York City Mayoral Race

Trump also weighed in on the upcoming New York City mayoral election, suggesting he would prefer former Governor Andrew Cuomo over Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who leads in polls.

"If it's gonna be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I'm gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time," Trump stated, signaling his concerns about federal funding for New York under Mamdani's potential leadership.

CBS Settlement and Media Relations

The interview marked Trump's first appearance on "60 Minutes" since CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, agreed to pay $16 million to settle Trump's lawsuit over a Kamala Harris interview. The president referenced the settlement during the interview, creating an awkward dynamic between him and O'Donnell.

Trump praised Bari Weiss, the newly appointed CBS News editor-in-chief, calling her "a great new leader," though he added, "I don't know her."

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Looking Ahead: What This Means for America

The "60 Minutes" interview reveals an administration doubling down on controversial policies despite mounting criticism. From nuclear testing to immigration enforcement, Trump shows no signs of moderating his approach. As the government shutdown continues and millions face uncertainty about food assistance and healthcare, the coming weeks will test both the administration's resolve and public patience.

For federal workers, SNAP recipients, and Americans waiting for healthcare clarity, the stakes couldn't be higher. Trump's willingness to engage with "60 Minutes" after years of tension with CBS suggests he's confident in his messaging, even as polls show growing public concern about the shutdown's impacts.