President Trump stated on Monday that he is “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, claiming there are $40 trillion in oil reserves and asserting that “Venezuela loves Trump.”

The remarks follow White House diplomatic efforts since January’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which included negotiations with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez to attract U.S. energy and mining investments while advancing ties with her administration. These discussions accelerated as global energy security concerns intensified following tensions with Iran.

Trump acknowledged he cannot legally declare Venezuela the 51st state without congressional approval or Venezuelan consent. Yet his administration has significantly expanded military operations in the Caribbean, deploying one of the largest naval fleets in decades and conducting repeated bombings targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the region.

During a White House press conference on Monday, Trump hailed U.S. actions in Venezuela as “military genius,” stating the nation is now “very happy” and “being well run.” He emphasized surging oil production levels and major energy companies investing in “the biggest, most beautiful rigs you’ve ever seen.”

Trump previously floated the statehood idea after Venezuela’s victory over Italy in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. The administration has also pressured American firms to resume operations in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture, while U.S. flights to the nation resumed this month. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez pledged new elections “sometime” but provided no timeline for implementation.