President Donald Trump’s latest remarks about potentially making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States are drawing mixed reactions among South Florida residents, including members of the Venezuelan community.
During a phone call with Fox News on Monday, Trump said he is “seriously considering” the idea, pointing to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves.
Mayra Acevedo, a Venezuelan from Valencia, Carabobo, supported the idea. “If he considers it, it will be fabulous for all Venezuelans,” Acevedo said. “We need that a lot.”
Diego Damas, a Venezuelan from Caracas living in South Florida, disagreed with the proposal. “I don’t think I’m in favor of it,” Damas said. “As a Venezuelan, I feel like our resources will mostly go to the U.S., and then we wouldn’t get much in return.”
William Paul, an American who voted for Trump in 2024, said Venezuela should remain independent despite supporting U.S. involvement in restoring democracy. “Venezuela should have its own country, its own independence,” Paul said. “I’m happy that he stepped in and tried to convert it over to a democratic state, but that’s as far as he should go.”
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez pushed back against Trump’s remarks, saying Venezuela “is not a colony, but a free country.
