Trump suggests Venezuela become U.S. state after World Baseball Classic win
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Venezuela should become the 51st state after defeating the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic final.
3:39 PM
Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final Tuesday night in Miami, claiming the country's first championship in the tournament's history. The victory by the team led by Omar Pérez prompted an immediate reaction from President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Minutes after the final concluded, Trump posted "Statehood" in reference to Venezuela becoming a U.S. state. The post marked the second time in as many days that the president had suggested Venezuela's incorporation into the United States.
On Monday, following Venezuela's 4-2 semifinal victory over Italy, Trump had posted a message questioning the source of the team's success. "Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal. They are playing wonderfully. Lately good things are happening to Venezuela! I wonder where all this magic is coming from. Does anyone agree it should become the 51st state?" he wrote at that time.
According to reports, Trump's second post was interpreted by some observers as a reiteration of his earlier message. One source noted that the president linked Venezuela's success to U.S. intervention that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, though the exact nature of this connection was not detailed in available accounts.
The Venezuelan team's victory generated multiple reactions across social media and among American sports fans, with both celebrations and criticism appearing in response to the championship result. Trump's posts added a political dimension to the sporting achievement, drawing attention beyond the baseball competition itself.
The World Baseball Classic final took place in Miami, with Venezuela's triumph marking a historic moment for the South American nation in international baseball competition.