For a second time yesterday, President Trump floated the patently crazy idea of making Venezuela the 51st state, apparently because he earnestly believes Venezuelans “love” him. The nation boasts more than 300 billion barrels of oil reserves.
Trump stated in a phone call that Venezuela would make a great state due to its oil reserves. Two months earlier, Trump expressed the same sentiment. But the president did not consult Venezuela’s top officials about U.S. statehood or consider what admitting Venezuela to the union would entail, how it would cost taxpayers, or affect federal, state, and local politics.
Trump first suggested statehood in March after Venezuela defeated Italy in a semifinal game of the World Baseball Championship. “They are really looking great!” Trump wrote online. Referring to U.S. forces capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro during an overnight raid on January 3, Trump added that “good things are happening in Venezuela lately!”
“I wonder what all this magic is about,” he continued.
Now, with a first shipment from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve — America’s emergency oil supply — headed for Turkey, Trump reportedly worries about his country’s oil security. In a phone call, Trump said he is motivated by the estimated $40 trillion value of oil in Venezuela and claims to be popular with Venezuelans: “Venezuela loves Trump.”
Trump vowed to persuade U.S. energy companies to invest in Venezuela, and top administration officials have met with major oil executives urging such action. With the Trump administration managing Venezuela’s oil sector, exports reached over 1 million barrels per day in April — the highest level since 2018.
A White House spokesperson stated: “As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela.” The spokesperson added: “Only President Trump can be credited for the revitalization of this newfound partnership — and the best is yet to come!” The spokesperson did not detail Trump’s plan for Venezuelan statehood.
Despite Venezuelans’ apparent affection for Trump, the nation’s oil reserves are estimated at 303 billion barrels — more than 17 percent of global reserves, making Venezuela the world’s largest holder ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodriguez stated her country is not interested in U.S. statehood and will remain independent: “We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history,” she said. “Venezuela is not a colony, but a free country.”
The nation faces severe challenges. The average yearly income for a Venezuelan is about $2,880, compared to Americans earning between $65,000 and $69,000 annually. Venezuela’s per capita gross domestic product stands at approximately $4,140, versus America’s $94,430. No wonder 80 to 90 percent of Venezuelans — about 25 million out of 28.6 million people — live in poverty.
Statehood would invite Venezuelans to flood the United States and enroll in state and federal welfare programs while also becoming eligible for programs emerging in Venezuela. Venezuelans would gain access to Social Security and Medicare, systems teetering on the edge of insolvency. Venezuela would receive two Senate seats — likely held by Democrats — and representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, altering congressional districts and state and local elections nationwide.
Trump’s interest extends beyond Venezuela. After Maduro’s arrest, he reiterated his desire to annex Greenland because “we need it.” “I will say this.… We need Greenland from a national security situation,” he stated. He described Greenland as strategically critical due to Russian and Chinese ships currently patrolling its waters and claimed Denmark cannot secure it independently — noting recent efforts like adding more dogsleds have been insufficient for the European Union’s needs.
Nine days after Maduro’s arrest, GOP Representative Randy Fine of Florida introduced the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, authorizing the President to take necessary steps to annex or acquire Greenland as a U.S. territory.
Trump also suggested Colombia as another potential target, stating it is “very sick” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” When pressed on what he meant, Trump reiterated his comments and said a military strike against Colombia “sounds good to me.”
Trump additionally identified Cuba as a possible candidate for statehood due to its proximity to Florida — 90 miles away — calling it “obviously” another target.
