'51st State?’: Trump eyes $40tn oil-rich Venezuela after Maduro's capture, sparks global outrage

President Donald Trump has ignited global controversy after signaling he is 'seriously' considering making oil-rich Venezuela America’s 51st state. Speaking during a phone call with Fox News, Trump pointed to Venezuela’s estimated $40 trillion in oil reserves as a major motivation behind the idea, declaring, 'Venezuela loves Trump.' The remarks come months after U.S. intervention in Venezuela led to the removal and capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, who had been indicted on narco-terrorism charges by the Justice Department.