President Donald Trump is continuing to stir controversy with repeated comments referring to Venezuela as a potential “51st state” of the United States, posting a new graphic on Truth Social this week that showed the South American nation covered in the American flag and labeled “51st State.”
The post quickly drew international attention and renewed criticism from Venezuelan officials, who say the country has no interest in becoming part of the United States. Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez responded by saying Venezuela has “never” considered annexation and remains committed to its sovereignty and independence.
Trump’s latest graphic comes after comments he made earlier this week suggesting he was “seriously considering” the idea because of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and strategic importance. The remarks have added to growing diplomatic tensions, with critics calling the rhetoric inflammatory and unrealistic.
While some Trump supporters online praised the post as political trolling, opponents warned that joking about annexing another nation risks damaging relations across Latin America. Venezuelan officials, meanwhile, emphasized that despite recent cooperation with Washington on economic matters, the country has no plans to become part of the U.S.
