Overview
- Trump told Fox News on Monday he is “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state.
- He reinforced the message Tuesday by posting a Truth Social map that labeled Venezuela “51st State.”
- Acting president Delcy Rodríguez rejected the idea, saying Venezuela would “never” give up its sovereignty.
- Under Article IV, Congress must admit any new state and Venezuela would have to agree to join, and no formal process has started.
- Since Nicolás Maduro’s capture in January, U.S. officials have pushed new oil deals, citing vast reserves as exports to the U.S. were reported above 1 million barrels per day in April.