President Donald Trump is considering Venezuela as a potential 51st state as his administration continues efforts to expand U.S. influence over the oil-rich South American nation following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro from power. Trump's interest in Venezuela President Donald Trump cited Venezuela's estimated $40 trillion in oil reserves and claimed strong support from Venezuelans. By: MEGA In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump pointed to Venezuela's vast oil reserves as a driving factor behind him "seriously considering" making the country the 51st state.