News Desk: US President Donald Trump has ignited a political storm after sharing a viral Truth Social post portraying Venezuela as the “51st state” of the United States. The image, showing the South American nation draped in the American flag, quickly exploded across social media and triggered sharp reactions from both supporters and critics.
The controversy intensified after Trump reportedly said he was seriously considering the idea of bringing oil-rich Venezuela under American control. Speaking during an interaction with Fox News, Trump pointed to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, estimated to be worth nearly $40 trillion, and claimed stronger US influence over the country would be strategically beneficial.
“Venezuela loves Trump,” the US President reportedly remarked, suggesting that many Venezuelans support closer ties with Washington.
🛢️🌍 ’51st #State?’: #Trump eyes $40tn #oil-rich #Venezuela after #Maduro‘s #capture, sparks #global outrage 🇺🇸⚡| https://t.co/URRNVmaEop pic.twitter.com/AkDuK3DHpc
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) May 12, 2026
Trump’s comments come months after the dramatic political upheaval in Venezuela that saw longtime leader Nicolás Maduro removed from power following a US-backed intervention. Since then, Washington and Caracas have witnessed an unexpected thaw in relations, particularly in the energy sector.
A White House spokesperson described ties between the two countries as “extraordinary,” claiming oil production had restarted and fresh investments were beginning to flow into Venezuela after years of economic collapse.
However, Venezuela’s interim leadership reacted strongly to Trump’s remarks. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected any suggestion of Venezuela surrendering its sovereignty to the United States.
“That is not contemplated. It would never be contemplated,” Rodríguez said while addressing reporters in The Hague. She stressed that Venezuelans were deeply committed to their independence and national identity.
Trump’s provocative remarks have added a new layer of tension to the evolving US-Venezuela relationship and reignited global debate over American influence in Latin America. The viral “51st state” post has also drawn comparisons to Trump’s previous controversial comments about expanding US territory in other parts of the world.
