SouthernWorldwide.com – President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant geopolitical move: making Venezuela, with its immense oil reserves, a permanent part of the United States. This contemplation comes as U.S. officials actively seek investments from oil companies in the South American nation, following the intervention that led to the removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump himself indicated in a conversation with Fox News that the estimated $40 trillion worth of oil in Venezuela is a primary motivator for this consideration. He also expressed confidence in his popularity among the Venezuelan citizenry.
“Venezuela loves Trump,” Trump stated.
Following the apprehension of Maduro in January, who was subsequently indicted by the Justice Department on narco-terrorism charges, Trump had previously announced that the United States would oversee the country during its transition. He also indicated a willingness to collaborate with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
U.S. CAPTURE OF MADURO THROWS SPOTLIGHT ON VENEZUELA’S MASSIVE OIL RESERVES
Earlier in the year, Trump had pledged to reactivate the U.S. oil industry within Venezuela. This initiative follows the nationalization of the oil industry by former President Hugo Chavez nearly two decades ago, which led to the expulsion of major energy companies like Exxon and Conoco. Chevron currently remains the sole major U.S. oil company with investments in the country.
For several months, Cabinet officials and White House energy advisors have engaged in discussions with executives from prominent oil companies, encouraging them to invest in Venezuela.
Under the Trump administration’s management of Venezuela’s oil sector, exports in April saw an increase, surpassing one million barrels per day. This marks the highest export level recorded since 2018.
“As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela,” a White House spokesperson informed Fox News Digital. “Only President Trump can be credited for the revitalization of this newfound partnership – and the best is yet to come!”
Read more : Iran Regime Power Players May Seek Russia Exit Amid Faltering US Talks
The spokesperson did not elaborate on the specific details of Trump’s proposed plan to integrate Venezuela into the United States.
Trump’s interest in Venezuela’s oil resources has been evident since Maduro’s ousting. He has argued that securing these oil supplies is essential for stabilizing the country’s economy, a crucial step he believes is necessary for establishing a stable democracy.
TRUMP’S VENEZUELA STRIKE SPARKS CONSTITUTIONAL CLASH AS MADURO IS HAULED INTO US
However, in March, Trump alluded to Venezuela potentially becoming a state in a post on Truth Social.
“Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?” Trump posted.
For Venezuela to be annexed and become a U.S. state, it would necessitate approval from Congress and the consent of Venezuela itself. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has firmly stated that such a scenario would never be considered.
“That would never have been considered, because if there is one thing we Venezuelan men and women have, it is that we love our independence process, we love our heroes and heroines of independence,” Rodriguez told reporters when questioned about Trump’s interest in Venezuela.
Venezuela is not the first territory Trump has expressed interest in annexing. His past considerations have included Greenland, Canada, Cuba, and Panama.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and the State Department for further comments on this developing situation.
