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But this time it is not Canada or Greenland.
Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China with business heavyweights Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Kelly Ortberg, CEO and president of Boeing, Reuters reported yesterday.
But it appears that the POTUS’ mind is occupied with other matters in a completely different part of the world.
On Truth Social, Donald Trump posted a picture accompanied by only two words, but those words have sparked renewed speculation that the Trump administration is planning to expand U.S. territory.
This time, however, it is neither Canada nor Greenland that is being highlighted as a possible new U.S. state.
The 51st state
The picture posted by Trump shows a map of Latin America with Venezuela colored like the American flag.
The text simply reads: “51st state.” Article continues below.
AFP reported that Trump shared the picture on his way to China, where he is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping.
Venezuela not on board
CNN reported that Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, told reporters that Venezuela “will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history.”
According to CNN, the White House did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, but on Monday Trump told Fox News that he is “seriously considering” making Venezuela part of the U.S.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with more than 300 billion barrels, equal to approximately 20% of the world’s total crude oil reserves.
A nation in limbo
On January 3, 2026, a U.S. military operation captured the 53rd president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and brought him to the United States.
Maduro assumed office in 2013 and became known as an authoritarian leader who used widespread election fraud, corruption, and censorship to remain in power.
In the United States, Maduro has been charged with a range of crimes, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty.
Sources: Truth Social post by Donald Trump, CNN, Fox News, Reuters, AFP
