In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he is considering the idea of making Venezuela a new US state.
Later on Tuesday, he referred to Venezuela as the “51st state” in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. The post claimed that Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, estimated at nearly $40 trillion, are now under US control.
Trump’s comments came during his visit to China for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, further intensifying international discussion surrounding the issue.
Following the remarks, Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected the idea, stating that Venezuela has no intention of becoming part of the United States and would never accept such a proposal.
Trump later shared a map on Truth Social showing the US flag placed over Venezuela with the caption “51st State.” The same post was later reshared by the White House’s official X account.
In another cryptic message, Trump wrote, “I want you,” adding further fuel to ongoing international debate over his statements and social media activity.