Trump Proposes Making Venezuela the 51st State

President Donald Trump proposed that Venezuela become the 51st state of the Union and hold elections for a governor instead of a president.

Trump made the announcement on Tuesday at a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was supporting Republican candidates for the upcoming midterm elections. He told the crowd, "Hagámoslo el estado 51 y, en vez de un presidente, celebraremos una elección a gobernador."

The statement comes as Washington and Caracas have moved closer following a U.S. military intervention that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The two governments have since restored diplomatic relations and reached several petroleum agreements.

During the rally, Trump highlighted a new deal that grants North American Blue Energy Partners, or NABEP, concessions for 17 oil fields in Venezuela. The Pentagon holds a 35 percent stake in NABEP’s parent company. Trump noted that major U.S. oil companies are investing billions of dollars in the country and called the bilateral relationship excellent.

The oil agreement gives the United States access to one-fifth of Venezuela’s crude reserves. After the rally, Trump planned to visit a vessel in Texas loaded with Venezuelan oil. He was scheduled to be accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the visit.

The proposal followed a State Department announcement the previous day supporting a plan to reform Venezuela’s judicial and electoral systems over the coming months. Under that plan, President Delcy Rodríguez would declare the presidency vacant once the reforms are completed.

That step would trigger a constitutional six-month deadline to hold new elections, likely in 2027. The administration is using these institutional changes to consolidate ties with Caracas and expand economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

Trump has previously floated the idea of Venezuela joining the United States. His current proposal aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reshaping the political future of the South American nation.