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Just moments after Venezuela defeated the United States in the World Baseball Classic final, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to post a simple one-word post that divided American fans.
“STATE!!!” Trump only wrote and added his initials.
The post came a day after Venezuela beat Italy in the WBC semi-finals, as Trump sent an introductory post teasing the South American country should it win the championship.
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The Venezuela team celebrates after defeating Italy in the World Baseball Classic semifinal game in Miami, Florida on March 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
“Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) semi-finals. They look really good. Good things are happening for Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?” wrote Trump on Monday evening.
Trump appeared to double down on that suggestion with his one-word remarks Tuesday night after Venezuela’s win.
Some supporters were encouraged by Trump’s bold proposal.
But some followers weren’t so encouraging.
“It’s a terrible idea that would cost trillions. We can’t afford the 50 we have now!” an X user wrote in reply.
Another user wrote: “It was just a baseball game. We don’t need to make them a state just so we can say we won the World Baseball Classic!”
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The new year started with the United States conducting a military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of the country’s leader, Nicolas Maduroand his wife. The two were brought back to the United States to face federal weapons and drug terrorism charges, among other things.
Since then, relations between the United States and Venezuela have thawed. An The American flag was recently raised over the US Embassy building in Caracas for the first time in seven years.
But Venezuela may have angered American baseball fans with its 3-2 victory on Tuesday. It was Venezuela’s first WBC title.
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“My country needs that championship,” star player Ronald Acuña Jr. said. and wiped the tears from his eyes. “I just want to make my people proud. That’s what I did today.”
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared Wednesday a national day of joy, making it a no-work holiday except for essential workers.
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Eugenio Suárez of Team Venezuela reacts after hitting an RBI double against Team United States at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“They were with us here in our hearts,” Venezuela captain Salvador Perez said of his compatriots. “The World Series, as you all know, is one of the most important championships in the major leagues, but when you fight for your country, it goes beyond. The feeling, the country where you were born and raised, the sacrifices that our parents made, the people that helped us, that’s why this means a lot to me and to Venezuela.”
Repeatedly during the tournament, Venezuelan players described the team as a family, and brothers Willson and William Contreras walked to the podium together to receive their medals and sing the Venezuelan anthem, “Gloria al Bravo Pueblo (Glory to the Brave People).”
