Donald Trump is weighing a proposal to make Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, according to comments relayed by Fox News journalist John Roberts, a suggestion that, if pursued, would represent one of the most dramatic geopolitical shifts in modern American history and underscore the administration's expanding focus on global energy dominance.
Roberts said he spoke directly with Trump and later posted on X: "Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump ... he told me he is seriously considering a move to make Venezuela the 51st state." The remark, though informal and not accompanied by an official policy document, immediately triggered debate among policymakers, analysts and foreign governments over the feasibility and intent behind such a move.
The White House stopped short of confirming any formal annexation plan but framed the relationship between Washington and Caracas in increasingly strategic terms. Spokesperson Olivia Wales told People magazine: "As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary." She added, "Oil is starting to flow and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela. Only President Trump can be credited for the revitalisation of this newfound partnership - and the best is yet to come!"
The reported proposal follows a period of significant political upheaval in Venezuela, including the removal of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro after U.S. intervention earlier this year. That shift has placed Washington in a position of substantial influence over one of the world's largest proven oil reserves, a factor analysts say is central to the administration's long-term strategic thinking.
Trump has previously signaled interest in Venezuelan oil assets. Reflecting on earlier policy decisions, he said: "We would have taken it over," adding, "We would have got all that oil," a remark that has resurfaced amid renewed attention on his expansionist rhetoric.
Supporters of the concept argue that integrating Venezuela into the United States could unlock large-scale infrastructure investment and stabilize a country that has experienced years of economic collapse marked by hyperinflation, declining oil production and industrial contraction. Critics, however, point to the immense constitutional, diplomatic and military challenges inherent in absorbing a sovereign nation as a U.S. state.
Key considerations analysts highlight include:
- Constitutional requirements for admitting a new state
- International law constraints and sovereignty issues
- Economic integration costs and governance structure
- Potential regional backlash across Latin America
The Venezuela proposal also follows earlier remarks by Trump suggesting a similar expansion northward. Ahead of his second term, Trump publicly floated the idea of incorporating Canada into the United States, framing it in economic and security terms.
"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Jan. 6, 2025. He added: "If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!"
