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‘We Love Our Independence’ — Venezuela Rejects US Statehood Proposal
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, rejected Donald Trump’s remarks about making the country the 51st US state.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has dismissed suggestions that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States, saying such an idea has never been under consideration.
Rodriguez made the remarks on Monday while speaking to reporters after attending a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
“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,” she said.
Her comments came after US President Donald Trump reportedly told Fox News that he was “seriously” considering making Venezuela the 51st US state following the January 3 capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Trump had also hinted at the possibility in a March post on Truth Social, writing: “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”
Rodriguez, however, maintained that her government was focused on diplomatic cooperation with the United States rather than political integration.
“We are working with a diplomatic cooperation agenda,” she said.
Since taking over leadership duties after Maduro’s removal, Rodriguez has overseen a gradual easing of tensions between Caracas and Washington, especially in the energy sector.
The acting president has introduced reforms opening Venezuela’s oil and mining industries to foreign companies, particularly US investors, moves that have drawn praise from Trump.
Rodriguez has also championed an amnesty law that led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners, though several hundred detainees reportedly remain in custody.
Her appearance at the International Court of Justice related to the centuries-old territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over an oil-rich region.
The visit marked Rodriguez’s first trip outside the Caribbean since assuming office earlier this year.
Meanwhile, opposition groups in Venezuela have continued to push for elections.
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