This statement comes nearly five months after U.S. military forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro, an event that left the oil-rich nation under a transitional period of U.S. oversight.
During an interview on Monday, May 11, the President confirmed he is "seriously considering" a move to officially annex the South American country.
While Trump has previously stated the U.S. would manage the nation until a "safe and proper transition" could be organized, his latest remarks suggest a more permanent territorial change.
"Not a Colony": Caracas Hits Back
The response from Venezuela's acting leadership was swift and uncompromising. Acting President Delcy RodrÃguez, speaking from The Hague in the Netherlands, made it clear that her government has no intention of surrendering its independence.
Defending Independence: RodrÃguez stated that Venezuela is a free nation and will continue to protect its history and sovereignty.
Rejecting Colonialism: She explicitly rejected the notion of becoming a U.S. territory, telling reporters, “We are not a colony”.
Strategic Interests and Oil
The administration's focus remains heavily tied to Venezuela's vast energy reserves. White House officials noted that relations have been "extraordinary" as oil begins to flow again, with revenues intended to aid the Venezuelan population. Since Maduro's arrest in January, the U.S. has prioritized the access of American companies to these OPEC-member reserves.
A Global Pattern of Expansionism
Venezuela is only the latest territory that the President has suggested incorporating into the Union during his second term.
Greenland: In December 2025, the President cited maritime security concerns as a reason to purchase the island nation.
Canada: In late 2025, during a period of heightened trade tension, Trump jokingly referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a "governor" and suggested Canada join the U.S..
The Constitutional Barrier
Despite the President's rhetoric, the U.S. Constitution provides a rigorous barrier to such an expansion. Under Article IV, the President cannot unilaterally admit a new state.
Any such move would require the explicit consent of the U.S. Congress and, traditionally, the consent of the people residing in the territory in question.