Trump: "Seriously considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States!"

On May 12, South Korea's media outlet Hanmin Daily published an article stating that U.S. President Donald Trump said he is "seriously considering" a plan to incorporate Venezuela into the United States as the "51st state."

According to Fox News, recently Trump told a journalist in a phone call that he is "seriously considering Venezuela as a potential candidate for the 51st state of the United States." Trump emphasized that Venezuela possesses oil reserves worth $40 trillion and enjoys great popularity among its people. In response, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez rejected the idea, stating, "This has never been considered."

Venezuela, rich in crude oil reserves, has recently become one of the countries increasingly mentioned and considered by Trump for inclusion in the U.S. territory. In March this year, Trump wrote on social media: "A lot of good things have happened in Venezuela recently," adding, "How about the 51st state?"

Before Venezuela, Trump had also hinted at incorporating Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Panama into U.S. territory. Early in his presidency, when meeting with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump stated, "Canada should become the 51st state of the United States," a comment that angered the Canadian public. Later, he expressed interest in "buying" Denmark’s territory, Greenland. On January 31, during an annual private dinner hosted by the Washington Alpha Phi Club, President Trump joked: "I have no intention of making Greenland the 51st state," adding, "I want Canada to be the 51st state. Greenland would be the 52nd state, and Venezuela could be the 53rd."

Regarding Cuba, although President Trump did not directly use the phrase "51st state," he once said, "We will be honored to occupy Cuba." As for Panama, he stated that the country must regain control of the Panama Canal.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864983634163977/

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