The statement was revealed by Fox News journalist John Roberts after a phone conversation he reportedly had with Trump on May 11, 2026. According to Roberts, Trump said he was seriously thinking about bringing Venezuela under U.S. administration due to its massive oil wealth and strategic importance.

Trump reportedly claimed that Venezuela possesses oil reserves worth nearly $40 trillion and added that he enjoys strong support among many Venezuelans. The United States has recently increased its involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry, leading to a rise in oil exports from the South American nation.

Earlier this year, after Maduro was arrested during a U.S.-backed operation, Trump announced that Washington would help oversee Venezuela alongside interim President Delcy Rodríguez.

However, Rodríguez strongly rejected the proposal, insisting that Venezuela would never surrender its sovereignty or independence. She stated that the country would remain a free and independent nation despite foreign pressure.

Political experts say the proposal would face major legal and political challenges. For Venezuela to officially become a U.S. state, the move would require approval from the U.S. Congress as well as acceptance from Venezuela’s government and citizens — something Venezuelan authorities say will never happen.