12/05/2026
Trump Eyes Venezuela as America's 51st State, Cites $40 Trillion in Oil
Donald Trump has once again set his sights on expanding U.S. territory — this time targeting Venezuela.
The president told Fox News he is "seriously considering" making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, pointing to the country's estimated $40 trillion in oil reserves as his main motivation.
Fox News anchor John Roberts revealed the news after a phone call with Trump, stating the president also believes "Venezuela loves Trump" as further justification for the bold move.
The idea is not entirely new — after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, Trump declared America would "run" the country during its transitional period and even floated statehood on Truth Social in March.
Venezuela, however, wants no part of it. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected the proposal, saying it "would never have been considered," adding that Venezuelans cherish their independence deeply.
After Greenland, Canada, and Panama — Venezuela is the latest country on Trump's ever-growing wishlist.