President Donald Trump stated in a phone call with Fox News anchor John Roberts that he is “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state.
The details of the call were reported by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin on X. During the discussion, Trump referenced the country’s natural resources, asserting there is “$40 trillion in oil” located there and stating that “Venezuela loves Trump.”
This proposal follows the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power earlier in 2026. Following the leadership change, the President noted Venezuela’s recent baseball victories over Italy and the United States, posting the phrase “Statehood, #51, Anyone?” on social media.
The suggestion of territorial expansion is consistent with previous statements made by the President. He has expressed ongoing interest in the acquisition of Greenland and has made past comments regarding the annexation of Canada.
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Public and internal reception of these comments will vary. Some observers have characterized the past remarks as high-stakes rhetoric or jests, while others note they form a recurring pattern in the President’s discourse regarding U.S. borders.
No formal legislation has been introduced to Congress, which holds the constitutional authority to admit new states to the Union.
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