Donald Trump has previously floated the idea of incorporating Canada into the country, at times suggesting it could become the 51st state. Photo: Tempo

“Let's make it [Venezuela] the 51st state. And instead of a president, we'll have an election for a governor. How about that?” Trump said at a campaign event in Texas on Tuesday, October 27, as quoted by ANTARA.

The United States currently comprises 50 states. Trump has previously floated the idea of incorporating Canada into the country, at times suggesting it could become the 51st state. He has also mentioned Greenland and Venezuela as potential candidates for U.S. statehood.

The couple was subsequently taken to New York to face U.S. charges of narco-terrorism. Venezuela's Supreme Court later appointed Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.

Since the operation, Washington has maintained significant influence over Venezuela's oil industry, redirecting energy exports and involving U.S. companies in developing the country's oil reserves, while seeking to curb the influence of rival powers.

The two countries have also reached agreements to expand U.S. participation in Venezuela's oil sector, with the stated aim of increasing production and modernising existing facilities.