President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he is "seriously considering" making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States, highlighting the country's abundant natural resources and reaffirming that "the Venezuelan people love him."
Trump made these statements during a phone conversation with Fox News journalist John Roberts. According to correspondent Bill Melugin, the president expressed: "Venezuela loves Trump" and praised the relationship between the two countries.
NEW: President Trump tells @FoxNews colleague @johnrobertsFox in a phone call just now that he is "seriously considering making Venezuela the 51st US state", adding that there is $40 trillion in oil there and "Venezuela loves Trump".— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 11, 2026
The comment comes amid a series of jokes and provocative statements that Trump has made about Venezuela in recent months. In March, after the Venezuelan baseball team's victory over Italy in the World Baseball Classic, the president wrote on Truth Social: "Good things are happening in Venezuela lately! I wonder what that magic is. STATE 51, ANYONE?"
Furthermore, Trump has joked on several occasions about retiring and running for president of Venezuela once his current term ends, arguing that he is one of the most popular figures in the country after the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
The idea of annexation or statehood, although presented in a joking or provocative tone, comes at a time of strong U.S. involvement in Venezuela, following operations that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States to face charges.
Washington has played an active role in Venezuela's political transition. To date, the White House has not presented any formal proposals or constitutional procedures for incorporating Venezuela as a state.
The admission of a new state would require approval from the U.S. Congress and would need to meet multiple legal and international requirements.
Experts consulted by various media outlets agree that this is primarily a rhetorical statement characteristic of Trump's style, similar to his previous comments about territorial purchases or expansions.