CARACAS — U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest twice in turning Venezuela into the 51st U.S. state, including through a Truth Social post showing a map of Venezuela filled with the U.S. flag. Trump said he was seriously considering the idea, and has previously made similar comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez told journalists on Monday that Venezuela had no plans to become the 51st U.S. state. "Venezuela is not a colony, but a free country." Rodríguez said. "We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history."

Over the past 25 years, senior Venezuelan government officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, immediately derided statements doubting Venezuela's sovereignty. In 2019, the U.S. stopped recognizing Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader after he claimed reelection victory in a widely criticized contest.

Following Maduro's ouster, the Trump administration chose to work with Rodríguez rather than Venezuela's political opposition. The U.S. now recognizes her as the sole head of state of Venezuela. Rodríguez has led cooperation with the Trump administration's phased plan for the country and has pitched Venezuela to international investors as part of that plan.

Trump praised Rodríguez's work. The Trump administration lifted economic sanctions against her personally and eased broader economic sanctions against Venezuela, though some sanctions remain in place.

Jorge Navas, a local leader, said Trump's comments were irresponsible acts of provocation and praised Rodríguez's diplomatic response. "We are bending, strategically, but we will not break," Navas said. He added, "We continue to resist, that is, realistically, given the country's economic situation."

Armed groups known as colectivos are among the government's strongest supporters and participate regularly in pro-ruling party demonstrations.