President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after suggesting that Venezuela could potentially become the 51st state of the United States during remarks linked to the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The comments were reportedly relayed by Fox News correspondent John Roberts, who claimed Trump expressed serious interest in the idea during a phone conversation.
According to Roberts, the 79 year old president said he was considering a move to bring the South American country under U.S. statehood, a claim that quickly circulated on social media platform X.
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Fox News Report and Phone Conversation Claim
Roberts stated in a post on Monday, May 11, that he had just spoken with Trump directly. “Just got off the phone with DonaldTrump he told me he is seriously considering a move to make Venezuela the 51st state”
Fox News also reported that Roberts had discussed the matter with Trump earlier that day, further fueling global attention around the remarks.
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White House Responds to the Claim
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales responded to questions about the statement by emphasizing improving relations between the two countries.
She highlighted recent developments in U.S.Venezuela cooperation, especially in the energy sector, saying oil production and economic activity were improving under renewed engagement. She added that the administration sees the relationship as a “newfound partnership,” crediting Trump for revitalizing diplomatic and economic ties.
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Venezuela’s Political Situation and Maduro’s Capture
The remarks come in the context of major political changes in Venezuela following the reported U.S. military capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores earlier this year.
Maduro and Flores are facing federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, and weapons related offenses. Both have pleaded not guilty. Maduro reportedly described himself as a “prisoner of war” during his arraignment in January.
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Acting Leadership and Ongoing Governance
Despite Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s United Socialist Party remains active in governance. Delcy Rodríguez currently serves as acting president while maintaining control of state affairs.
Her administration has introduced reforms, including easing restrictions on foreign investment in the oil sector, while the United States has relaxed certain sanctions tied to Venezuela’s petroleum industry.
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Oil Wealth and U.S. Strategic Interest
Trump has previously linked Venezuela to its vast oil reserves, estimating the country’s petroleum wealth at around $40 trillion.
He has suggested that improved oil cooperation and economic integration could strengthen ties between both nations, though critics argue such proposals raise sovereignty concerns.
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Previous Expansion Comments
This is not the first time Trump has floated the idea of territorial expansion. In earlier statements, he also suggested that Canada could potentially become part of the United States, framing it as an economic and security benefit.
He argued that such arrangements could reduce tariffs, lower taxes, and improve regional security, although the comments have repeatedly sparked diplomatic backlash
