Could Venezuela Become Part of the U.S.? Trump’s Oil Strategy Explained

What Happened

President Donald Trump recently stated in a Fox News interview that he is “seriously considering” the idea of Venezuela becoming part of the United States. The remarks came months after the dramatic U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges earlier this year. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Editor's Note:  Scroll down to review the channel's recommendation for investing in the VES.

Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed leadership and rejected any suggestion that Venezuela would ever become a U.S. state. Rodríguez said Venezuela would defend its sovereignty, independence, and national identity. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Trump linked the proposal to Venezuela’s enormous oil wealth. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and Trump claimed the reserves could be worth trillions of dollars. Since sanctions were eased and foreign investment discussions resumed, oil production and exports have reportedly increased. (People.com)

Several American energy companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, have reportedly explored opportunities in Venezuela’s oil sector as the country attempts to rebuild its damaged energy infrastructure. (People.com)

However, experts note that any attempt to make Venezuela part of the United States would face enormous legal, constitutional, and political barriers. Such a move would likely require approval from the U.S. Congress as well as consent from the Venezuelan government and people. At this stage, there is no official process underway to make Venezuela a U.S. territory or state. (The Daily Beast)

Why It Matters

Venezuela remains one of the most strategically important oil-producing nations in the Western Hemisphere. Its location near U.S. Gulf Coast refineries makes Venezuelan crude especially valuable to American energy markets.

For years, Venezuela strengthened ties with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran while relations with Washington deteriorated. The recent political changes inside Venezuela have reopened debate over whether the United States could regain influence over one of the world’s largest oil reserves. (Vox)

At the same time, critics argue that talk of annexation or direct U.S. control risks inflaming tensions across Latin America, where many countries remain highly sensitive to American intervention in the region. Others question whether the focus is more about energy access and geopolitical influence than democracy itself. (Vox)

The VES Venezuela's Currency as an Investment?

At this stage, the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) appears to be a very high-risk speculation, not a stable investment. Most evidence suggests caution rather than aggressive buying right now.