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By Jordan King
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President Donald Trump has responded to Venezuela beating the United States in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournament by calling for it to become a U.S. state.
After Venezuela defeated the U.S. in Miami on Tuesday night to win its first WBC title, Trump posted on Truth Social: "STATEHOOD!!! President DJT."
It comes just one day after Trump also floated the idea of Venezuela becoming America's 51st state after it won the semifinal against Italy. "STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?," he wrote on Truth Social on Monday.
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Why It Matters
Venezuela's WBC win comes amid heightened political tensions after Trump's January military operation in which he seized the country's former president Nicolás Maduro.
Trump's remarks suggest a continued interest in expanding U.S. territory. He previously said that he wanted Canada to become America's 51st state, and has repeatedly pushed to acquire Greenland, straining ties with Denmark.
What To Know
Venezuela defeated the U.S. 3-2 at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Tuesday, with Eugenio Suárez hitting a double in the ninth innings to secure the title.
Before the game, Venezuelan players stayed away from discussing politics. Player Ronald Acuña Jr. told reporters, according to The Independent: "We're here to speak baseball - our country deserves the game tomorrow."
Venezuela's manager Omar Lopéz also said before the semifinal: “Politically? I'm not going to answer that question because I said this early on, that I’m not going to answer anything about political situation, because I work in baseball.
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"I think for us it's more important to win tonight to keep our country happy, celebrating, and keep making noise that for the first time we're going to be in a final, you know? I think that's the goal tonight."
Questions about Venezuela's future have been rife since Trump's January operation, with the country now being run by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who was previously vice president under Maduro.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who is currently abroad, was recently told by Trump not to return yet to her homeland, according to The New York Times.
What People Are Saying
Venezuela infielder Eugenio Suárez said after the game: “Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we win the championship today... God is good! Jesus, he was with us the whole time."
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez wrote on X: "Venezuela triumphs as one! For the first time, we are champions of the World Baseball Classic. This triumph is a victory for the passion, talent, and unity that define us as Venezuelans. An achievement that will forever remain in the heart of our country. ¡VIVA VENEZUELA!"
She added in another post: "I have decided to decree tomorrow as National Day of Jubilation, a non-working day, with the exception of essential services workers, so that our youth can go out to the squares, to the parks, and to the fields to celebrate."
Trump said on Tuesday: "Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal... STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?"
What Happens Next
Any movement toward statehood would require congressional approval and the consent of Venezuelans. It is yet to be seen whether Trump or lawmakers will propose these concrete steps.
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