1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 12:23 IST
On January 3, Trump said the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela to oversee a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” after Maduro’s capture.
US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Months after capturing former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, Donald Trump has now suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States.
“Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal. They are looking really great. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?," reads Trump’sTruth Social post.
Trump had launched major military operations against Venezuela in early January, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured on narco-terrorism charges.
US forces carried out strikes on Caracas under “Absolute Resolve", after which Maduro was taken to New York for trial, where he pleaded not guilty.
Following Maduro’s capture, the US and Venezuela signed multimillion-dollar deals for gold and oil in early March 2026. The agreements redirected resources from black markets to American refineries.
US role in Venezuela
On January 3, 2026, Trump said the United States would temporarily “run" Venezuela to oversee a “safe, proper, and judicious transition" after Maduro’s capture. However, no formal governance role was established.
“We will be managing it with a group, and we will ensure it is executed properly," Trump had said, assigning a team including Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, whom he described as cooperative.
He also said US oil firms would repair infrastructure, generate revenue and benefit Venezuelans without burdening American taxpayers.
Currently, Rodríguez is governing as interim president under US-backed reforms, though Trump later indicated the possibility of longer involvement without giving details. Geopolitical experts have described the situation as de facto control of the country through resources.
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 17, 2026, 12:23 IST
News world Trump Floats Venezuela As ‘51st State’ Of US Months After Maduro’s Capture
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