Trump Says He Is 'Seriously' Considering Making Venezuela the 51st US State
US President Donald Trump said he is "seriously" considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States. The remark drew sharp reactions from Caracas and other countries across the region.
US President Donald Trump told reporters that he is "seriously" considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States. According to Turkish news agency Anadolu, Trump argued that the country's energy resources and Caribbean position made the idea "make sense."
The government of Venezuela described the remarks as "an attempted attack on sovereignty." President Nicolas Maduro reiterated his determination to defend the country's independence and said he would seek regional backing. Brazilian and Mexican foreign ministers also condemned the statement.
Analysts in Washington said the legal and political path for such a step would be extremely difficult. Even so, the comments come as Trump has resumed sanctions and energy talks with Caracas, and they risk opening a new period of uncertainty in bilateral relations.
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