Donald Trump suggests Venezuela could become 51st U.S. state

During a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, Donald Trump jokingly suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States. He proposed that the South American nation might transition from having a president to electing a governor.

The comments were made alongside discussions regarding a major oil agreement. Trump highlighted the arrival of a shipment of one million barrels of Venezuelan oil in Texas, describing it as a “greatest oil victory in history” that would be delivered to the U.S. at no cost to taxpayers. While Trump claimed the oil was free, reports indicate the value will be compensated through adjustments in future purchases.

Trump also noted that the U.S. supports judicial and electoral reforms in Venezuela that could lead to new presidential elections in 2027. His remarks regarding Venezuela follow previous comments about acquiring other territories, such as Greenland, Canada, and Mexico.