Former President Donald Trump has stirred considerable attention once more by suggesting that he is contemplating the idea of making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States. This statement was reportedly made during a conversation with Fox News reporter John Roberts on May 11, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
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Roberts shared the details of his discussion with Trump via a post on the social media platform X, indicating that the former president was serious about this ambitious proposal. “Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump … he told me he is seriously considering a move to make Venezuela the 51st state,” Roberts wrote.
In response to inquiries regarding this statement, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales offered a brief comment. She highlighted the evolving relationship between Venezuela and the United States, crediting Trump with revitalising these ties. Wales emphasised that significant economic benefits, particularly relating to oil production, were on the horizon for the people of Venezuela, thus portraying Trump’s comments in a more positive light.
This potential shift in Venezuela’s status comes in the wake of significant political upheaval in the country. In January 2026, U.S. military forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, amid serious federal charges related to drug trafficking and possession of illegal firearms. The couple pleaded not guilty to the accusations during their arraignment, with Maduro referring to himself as a “prisoner of war.”
Trump has previously proclaimed his intention to ‘take control’ of Venezuela, although the Maduro-led United Socialist Party currently retains power. Since Maduro’s arrest, Delcy Rodriguez, his deputy, has assumed the role of acting president and has begun liberalising restrictions on foreign investment in the Venezuelan oil sector, while the U.S. has gradually eased sanctions on the country’s oil exports.
Maduro’s capture was hailed by Trump as a monumental achievement, asserting that “no nation in the world could achieve what America achieved.” Trump expressed confidence that Venezuelan oil production would be restored swiftly under U.S. guidance, vowing to ensure that the citizens of Venezuela receive proper care and support.
Interestingly, this is not the first instance where Trump has mused about annexing a foreign nation as an additional state. Prior to his re-election campaign in January 2025, he whimsically suggested that Canada could also become the 51st state, citing the potential economic advantages and enhanced security for the country.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” elaborating on the hypothetical benefits such a merger would entail, such as the elimination of tariffs and reduced taxes. He further stated that Canada would be “TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.”
Trump’s casual reference to transforming another sovereign nation into a part of the United States has drawn reactions ranging from amusement to disbelief. Critics argue that such comments reflect a lack of understanding of foreign policy complexities and the sovereignty of nations.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, many are left questioning the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations. The current administration’s efforts to ease sanctions and reform investment policies may play a crucial role in determining a path forward for both nations.
While Trump’s latest remarks are largely seen as hyperbolic, they offer a glimpse into his administration’s unconventional approach to international relations. The prospect of Venezuela becoming the 51st state remains purely speculative at this point, yet it reveals the ongoing discussions surrounding the integration of foreign nations into the American political framework. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to observe how both U.S. policy and Venezuelan politics unfold in the coming months.