On May 12, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social a map graphic that depicted Venezuela as the 51st state of the United States. The post follows a pattern of provocative statements about territorial expansion, including previous remarks about Canada during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The map, which Trump shared without additional comment, showed Venezuela highlighted in U.S. flag colors. This is not the first time Trump has suggested incorporating other countries into the U.S.; during his 2024 campaign, he made several jokes about Canada becoming the 51st state, often in response to trade disputes.
Venezuelan officials have not yet responded to the post. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on what it called a social media post by a private citizen. Trump is not currently in office, as the 2024 election was won by President Joe Biden.
The post has sparked debate online, with some supporters viewing it as a joke and critics calling it disrespectful to Venezuelan sovereignty. No official proposal or policy change has been announced.
