President Donald Trump is reportedly “seriously considering” a controversial idea that would make Venezuela part of the United States as a potential 51st state. The proposal comes as the United States deepens its involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector following major political changes in the country and increased energy cooperation.
Trump discussed the idea in a phone interview with Fox News, where he pointed to Venezuela’s vast oil resources. He said the country holds an estimated $40 trillion in oil reserves and suggested that closer integration with the United States could benefit both sides. He also claimed he is popular among Venezuelans, saying “Venezuela loves Trump.”
The comments come after major political upheaval in Venezuela earlier this year. Former President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power following a U.S. military operation. U.S. officials later accused him of narco-terrorism, while Washington supported a transitional leadership structure in the country.
Since Maduro’s removal, the United States has expanded its involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry. Trump has said U.S. energy companies should help restart production in the country. He has framed this as part of a broader effort to stabilize Venezuela’s economy and rebuild its political system.
Venezuela has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, and its energy sector has long been central to its economy. For years, political conflict and nationalization policies disrupted foreign investment. Major U.S. firms such as Exxon and Conoco left the country nearly two decades ago after industry nationalization. Chevron remains one of the few American companies still operating there.
Under the current arrangement, Venezuelan oil exports have reportedly increased. Output reached more than one million barrels per day in April, the highest level in several years. U.S. officials have described this as part of a growing economic partnership between the two countries.
A White House spokesperson said relations between the United States and Venezuela have improved significantly. The statement said oil exports are increasing and economic benefits are expected to grow further. However, officials did not provide any details about how a potential statehood plan would work in practice.
Trump’s interest in Venezuela’s oil sector has been known since the political shift in leadership earlier this year. He has argued that stabilizing the country through energy investment could help rebuild governance and support democratic development. His administration has also been in contact with major energy companies to encourage investment in Venezuelan oil projects.
The idea of Venezuela becoming a U.S. state has also appeared in Trump’s previous public comments. In a social media post, he suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st state, linking the idea to what he called improved relations and economic recovery. The proposal, however, has raised immediate political and legal questions.
Any move to annex a foreign country would require approval from the U.S. Congress and consent from Venezuela itself. Current Venezuelan leadership has rejected the idea outright. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela strongly values its independence and would never agree to such a proposal.
The remarks have sparked debate among political observers and legal experts. Many note that statehood for a foreign nation would be unprecedented and would require major constitutional and diplomatic changes. Others see the comments as part of Trump’s broader focus on energy security and geopolitical influence.
At the same time, the situation highlights the growing importance of Venezuela’s oil reserves in global energy politics. With rising demand for energy and shifting alliances, control over resources has become a central issue in international relations.
For now, the proposal remains speculative and highly controversial. While the United States continues to expand its economic presence in Venezuela’s energy sector, there is no formal plan in place to pursue statehood. The idea, however, has added a new layer of political tension to an already complex relationship between Washington and Caracas.
