US President Donald Trump’s pursuit of adding a “51st state” to the United States is evidently continuing. Initially, Trump showed interest in Canada, a notion which Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed with amusement. Subsequently, Greenland was considered, but faced significant opposition from the European Union, which reacted strongly, prompting fears of escalating trade tensions. Recently, Trump’s focus has shifted towards Venezuela, a nation where he has allegedly asserted control.

Venezuela in Trump’s Vision

During a journey to China, Trump made a post on Truth Social that floated the idea of Venezuela as the next US state, alongside a map of the country featuring an inset American flag. This statement coincided with his impending summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This message from Trump surfaced a day after Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez proclaimed that her country had “never” contemplated the possibility of joining the United States as its 51st state.

Trump’s comments come on the heels of military actions in Venezuela, where a significant operation resulted in the capture of the long-serving President Nicolás Maduro. After Maduro’s ouster, Rodriguez has taken on the role of interim president and has worked on enhancing relations with Washington. Furthermore, she has initiated reforms that have opened the nation’s mining and oil sectors to foreign investment, especially from US companies.

Despite these developments, Rodriguez has publicly denied any intention of aligning Venezuela with the United States. After assuming office, she faced calls for fresh elections from the opposition. When questioned about the possibility of impending elections, Rodriguez stated her uncertainty about the timeline but indicated that they would occur “sometime” in the near future.

Previous Considerations of Canada and Greenland

Before eyeing Venezuela, Trump extensively discussed the potential of Canada as the 51st state. His remarks frequently took the form of jibes directed at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during Trump’s presidential campaign. This focus persisted even after Mark Carney assumed office a year later.

In a notable incident from October 2025, during Carney’s visit to Washington, Trump suggested the idea of a “merger” between Canada and the United States. This comment emerged amid deteriorating trade relationships between the two nations. Carney responded with laughter, emphasising that despite existing differences, the historic ties between Canada and the US would assist in resolving their disputes.

Trump’s statements regarding both Canada and Venezuela reflect his broader strategy to reshape US influence in neighbouring countries. His direct involvement in Venezuelan affairs has raised questions about US foreign policy and the potential implications for both nations in the future. Nevertheless, the responses from Canadian officials and Venezuelan leadership illustrate the complexities involved in these discussions.

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