President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States, celebrating American access to Venezuelan oil during a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas. Hours later, the president announced that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could be arranged soon, expressing optimism about efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Port of Corpus Christi on October 27, Trump pointed toward an oil tanker that he said was carrying one million barrels of Venezuelan crude destined for American refineries. The president described the shipment as a consequence of the US military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January and highlighted growing energy cooperation with the country’s new leadership.
The remarks came one week before the November 3 midterm elections, as the administration faces mounting political pressure over rising energy prices associated with the war against Iran.
Trump raises possibility of Venezuela joining the United States
“Let’s make it the 51st state,” Trump told supporters, suggesting that Venezuela could eventually become part of the United States. He went further, proposing that the South American country could elect a governor instead of a president.
The president characterized the Venezuelan oil arrangement as a major economic achievement, declaring, “To the victor belong the spoils,” while pointing to the tanker positioned near the rally venue. He claimed the oil was being supplied at no cost to American taxpayers and said billions of dollars were being invested in Venezuela by international energy companies.
According to the Associated Press, The Guardian and Al Jazeera, Trump presented the arrangement as evidence of his administration’s ability to expand American energy supplies following Maduro’s removal. However, he provided no formal proposal or timetable for incorporating Venezuela into the United States, and there was no indication that such a process had been initiated.
Trump also predicted that increased oil supplies would eventually reduce gasoline and diesel prices, despite the pressure on international energy markets caused by the continuing conflict with Iran.
The rally also served as a campaign appearance for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico in a closely watched Texas race. Trump urged supporters to vote Republican, arguing that his party’s energy policies were essential to the state’s economy.
Trump expects progress toward Putin-Zelensky talks
Following his campaign appearances in Texas, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One early Wednesday, October 28, that diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine were advancing.
“I think with Russia we’re making a lot of progress with Russia-Ukraine,” Trump said, adding that a meeting would be arranged soon.
Asked who would participate, he identified Putin and Zelensky, although he did not specify a date or location. He also acknowledged that an agreement could potentially be reached without a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.
Trump said he had discussed the diplomatic situation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff during the return flight from Texas.
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