The Economic Times

'51st state': Trump pitches Venezuela as next US state, says it has 'a lot of oil'

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st US state, citing growing ties between Washington and Caracas and increased cooperation over oil supplies. Speaking at a rally in Texas, Trump announced the arrival of the first 1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil secured under an agreement and said the shipment would be refined locally. He also suggested that Venezuela could eventually elect a governor instead of a president.