A stunning new political claim is making waves after Donald Trump said he is “seriously considering” turning Venezuela into the 51st U.S. state, a proposal tied to the country’s massive oil reserves and a recent shift in its leadership.
The comments were made during an interview with Fox News on Monday, where Trump doubled down on a suggestion that has already sparked global backlash and disbelief.
He pointed to Venezuela’s estimated $40 trillion in oil reserves as a key reason behind the idea, stating that economic potential could reshape the relationship between the two countries. He also added, “Venezuela loves Trump,” further fueling controversy around the remarks.
A bold idea tied to earlier statements
This is not the first time Trump has floated the idea.
Earlier in 2026, he repeatedly teased the concept of Venezuelan statehood in social media posts and public comments following geopolitical shifts in the country, including the removal of former leader Nicolás Maduro in earlier U.S.-linked operations.
The latest comments, however, mark one of the most direct and explicit versions of the idea yet.
According to reporting from Fox News and other outlets, Trump described the proposal as something he is actively “considering,” not just joking about it.
Massive legal and political barriers
Even as the statement spreads online, experts are quick to point out the obvious reality: adding a new U.S. state is not something a president can do alone.
Statehood would require approval from Congress and consent from the population involved, making the proposal highly unlikely in practical terms.
Still, the idea has already triggered heated debate across political circles, with critics calling it unrealistic and supporters framing it as part of Trump’s broader foreign policy vision in the Western Hemisphere.
Part of a larger foreign policy pattern
The comments come amid heightened U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s political and economic situation, including increased attention on its oil sector and leadership structure.
Trump has also made similar expansion-style remarks in the past regarding other territories, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about how far his foreign policy ambitions could extend.
Reaction and uncertainty
Public response has been sharply divided, with many dismissing the statement as political theater while others see it as a signal of deeper strategic interest in Venezuela’s resources.
For now, no formal policy proposal has been introduced, and the White House has not issued clarification beyond the remarks reported in media interviews.
What remains is a headline that is already dominating political conversation: a former president openly floating the idea of adding an entire country to the United States.