Venezuela's Acting President Denies Considering Becoming the 51st US State

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has stated that Caracas has "never" considered the proposal of Venezuela becoming the 51st state of the United States, a suggestion made by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters after leaving a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Rodriguez asserted that the idea "has never been considered." She added that Venezuelans cherish their history of independence and their heroes. Trump had previously suggested he was "seriously" considering this possibility. Rodriguez also affirmed that her government is pursuing a "diplomatic cooperation agenda" with the US, having restored diplomatic relations in March after a seven-year hiatus. She noted that while facing pressure from Trump regarding Venezuela's fossil fuel resources, she has been praised by Trump for promoting reforms that open up the mining and oil sectors to foreign companies. Rodriguez has also overseen the release of hundreds of political prisoners through an amnesty law, though approximately 500 remain detained. Her trip to The Hague was her first departure from the Caribbean region since taking office, attending hearings on a territorial dispute with Guyana over an oil-rich region.