“STATEHOOD!!!” - Trump’s viral reaction to Venezuela’s WBC victory
The president reacted on Truth Social to Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic victory, once again suggesting the country should become the 51st state.
Venezuela made history in the sports world this Tuesday after winning their first-ever World Baseball Classic title, defeating the United States 3–2 in the final behind a standout performance from Maikel García.
Venezuela’s victory over Team USA comes amid years of political tension between the two countries, which escalated earlier this year following the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3 after a joint operation by U.S. intelligence and military forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to Venezuela’s win. Trump, who previously proclaimed himself the country’s acting leader following Maduro’s detention, posted a brief but striking message on his Truth Social account after the game: “STATEHOOD!!!” - once again suggesting his desire to make Venezuela the 51st state of the United States.
Donald Trump is proud that Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic. pic.twitter.com/Hd25lH4XwE
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) March 18, 2026
It was not the first time Trump floated the idea. Earlier in the week, after Venezuela advanced to the final by defeating Italy, he had already hinted at the possibility: “Good things are happening in Venezuela lately! I wonder what all this magic is about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”
#AHORA | Trump reacciona a Venezuela pasando a la final del Clásico Mundial de Baseball:
— Orlando Avendaño (@OrlvndoA) March 17, 2026
“¡Grandes cosas le están pasando a Venezuela últimamente! Me pregunto, ¿de dónde vendrá toda esta magia? ¿El estado 51… qué opinan?”. pic.twitter.com/1F0pliWMco
On the field, meanwhile, the United States will have to wait to reclaim the World Baseball Classic title after a defeat that is sure to sting, particularly given the political backdrop surrounding the matchup.
Venezuela declares “National Day of Joy”
The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Venezuela, with interim president Delcy Rodríguez praising the national team’s achievement on social media.
Rodríguez also announced that Wednesday would be declared a “National Day of Joy,” a non-working holiday, except for essential services, so that citizens could take to the streets, parks, and public spaces to celebrate the historic triumph.
He decidido decretar mañana como Día de Júbilo Nacional, no laborable, con excepción de los trabajadores de servicios esenciales, para que nuestra juventud salga a las plazas, a los parques y a las canchas a festejar.
— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) March 18, 2026
¡Mañana todos al gran concierto Venezuela triunfa unida!
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