August M
Donald Trump has reportedly suggested that Venezuela could eventually become America’s 51st state, reviving one of the most controversial themes of his foreign policy rhetoric.
The Express reported that Fox News anchor John Roberts claimed the US president made the remarks during a phone conversation earlier this week.
Fresh statehood comments
According to Roberts, Trump said he was “seriously considering a move to make Venezuela the 51st state.”
The comments follow months of extraordinary tensions between Washington and Caracas after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, earlier this year.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should play a direct role in rebuilding Venezuela’s economy and oil industry.
Oil and security focus
The Express reported that Trump previously claimed Venezuela’s oil sector had “gone bust” and suggested American companies should help restore production.
After Maduro’s arrest, Trump said the US would temporarily “run” the country until a transition of power could be organised.
The Venezuelan government rejected accusations from Washington that Maduro headed a “narco-terrorist cartel.”
Earlier hints repeated
Trump has floated the idea before.
Following Venezuela’s victory over Italy during the World Baseball Classic earlier this year, he posted on Truth Social: “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”
The remarks were initially treated by many observers as political trolling or satire.
International reaction grows
Recent reports from AP and other outlets said Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez rejected the idea and insisted the country would remain independent.
Legal experts have also noted that turning Venezuela into a US state would require approval from Congress and the consent of the Venezuelan population.
Expansion rhetoric continues
Trump has repeatedly joked or speculated about adding new territories to the United States, including previous comments involving Canada and Greenland.
The latest Venezuela remarks are likely to intensify debate over how seriously such proposals should be taken amid growing geopolitical tensions in Latin America.
Sources: The Express, Fox News, AP, Reuters.
