US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after joking that Venezuela could be considered the 51st state of the United States in a social media post.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump commented on Venezuela’s 4–2 victory over Italy in the semifinals of the World Baseball Championship.
He praised the Venezuelan team’s performance and hinted humorously at political implications.
“Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight 4–2 in the WBC (Baseball) semifinals,” Trump wrote. “They are looking really great. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately. I wonder what this magic is all about? Statehood, 51st, anyone?”
Trump’s remarks appeared to revive earlier discussions in which he had floated controversial ideas about expanding US territory, including previous comments about potentially bringing Canada or Greenland under American control.
In his post, Trump expressed support for the Venezuelan baseball team in a tone that suggested it was part of the broader American national community.
The comments come months after a US military operation in Venezuela on January 3 that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were transported to New York to face charges related to alleged drug trafficking.
Airstrikes targeting the Venezuelan capital Caracas and other areas during the operation caused significant casualties. Venezuelan authorities reported that at least 100 people were killed and a similar number injured, including both military personnel and civilians.
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