Pete Hegseth Confirms Donald Trump Is “Seriously Considering” Making Venezuela the 51st State After Military Capture of President

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” the possibility of making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States following a dramatic U.S. military operation that reportedly led to the capture of the Venezuelan president.

Speaking during a tense press briefing at the Pentagon on Sunday evening, Hegseth described the idea as “an option being evaluated at the highest levels of government,” adding that the Trump administration believes “long-term stability, security, and economic recovery in Venezuela may require an unprecedented partnership with the United States.”

The remarks immediately triggered global outrage and sent shockwaves through Latin America, with several regional governments condemning the suggestion as a violation of international sovereignty.

“This administration is looking at every possible pathway to ensure that Venezuela never again becomes a threat to regional stability,” Hegseth said. “The president has asked advisers to examine what a formal territorial and political relationship with the United States could look like.”

The comments came just hours after U.S. officials confirmed that American forces had successfully detained the Venezuelan leader during what was described as a “precision operation” targeting senior members of the government amid escalating unrest inside the country.

The White House has not officially announced any annexation plan, but insiders reportedly say several senior Trump allies have privately discussed the political and economic implications of bringing Venezuela under direct U.S. governance or eventual statehood.

Critics across the political spectrum reacted with disbelief.

Leaders from across South America accused Washington of reviving “imperialist ambitions,” while protests erupted outside U.S. embassies in several countries overnight. International observers warned that any attempt to annex Venezuela could trigger a major diplomatic crisis at the United Nations.

Russia and China also issued statements condemning the idea, calling it “illegal under international law” and warning against what they described as “colonial-era tactics.”

Inside the United States, reactions were sharply divided. Some Trump supporters praised the proposal as a bold geopolitical move that could expand American influence and secure vast oil reserves, while opponents labeled the idea dangerous and unconstitutional.

Political analysts noted that no modern precedent exists for the United States absorbing a sovereign nation of Venezuela’s size and population under military circumstances.

The administration has not clarified whether any referendum, congressional approval, or international negotiations would be required before such a move could proceed.

As tensions continue to rise, governments across the Western Hemisphere are closely watching for the next move from the Trump administration, amid fears that the crisis could reshape regional politics for years to come.