Trump wants to annex Venezuela: I want to make it the 51st state
News
Express newspaper
12/05/2026 7:15
US President Donald Trump has stated that his administration is considering the possibility of annexing Venezuela, telling Fox News that he is “seriously” considering the idea of the Latin American country becoming the 51st state of the US.
In an interview with Fox News’ John Roberts, Trump stated that his desire to add another star to the American flag is related to the amount of oil reserves that Venezuela possesses, which the White House leader said are worth $40 trillion.
Trump has previously made statements about annexing or taking control of other sovereign territories, including Canada, Greenland, Panama and Cuba. His latest comments come after the military operation carried out in January to arrest former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
White House officials have reportedly been in constant contact with authorities in Caracas about deals with American energy and mining companies, while the US is seeking to strengthen ties with interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The latter has stated that her country has no plans to become part of the United States, emphasizing that Venezuelans want their independence and sovereignty.
Despite his statements, Trump cannot legally declare Venezuela the 51st state of the United States without the approval of the US Congress and without the consent of Venezuela itself. Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean region, deploying one of the largest naval fleets in recent decades.