Acting Venezuelan President Rodriguez denounced Donald Trump’s proposal to annex the nation as a U.S. state during a sovereignty hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Rodriguez Rejects Colonial Status at The Hague
Acting President Rodriguez, who assumed her role following the January removal of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, declared that Venezuela is not a colony and will continue to defend its integrity, sovereignty, and history. She delivered these remarks at the International Court of Justice in The Hague during proceedings regarding the Esequibo border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.
Trump Proposes Annexation as 51st State
In a telephone interview with Fox News, Donald Trump stated he is seriously considering making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, asserting that “Venezuela loves Trump.” While broader context for these remarks was not provided, the U.S. President has frequently made allusions and jokes regarding the possible annexation of Venezuela, Canada, and Cuba since Maduro’s ousting.
Operation Absolute Resolve and Maduro’s Removal
Since beginning his second term in 2025, Trump has targeted Venezuela with accusations of drug trafficking and a naval blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. These actions preceded the January 2026 secret mission “Operation Absolute Resolve,” during which special forces entered the residence of Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cecilia Flores, abducting the couple and transporting them to the U.S.
U.S. Control of International Oil Trade
Washington has charged Maduro with drug and weapons trafficking and ties to criminal cartels. Following these events, Trump announced that the United States would take indefinite control over Venezuela’s international oil trade. Maduro, who succeeded the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution in 2013, had suppressed opposition and was accused of rigging the 2024 presidential elections.
