Venezuela rocketed into the top U.S. trends on X on Wednesday following President Donald Trump's provocative social media posts suggesting the South American nation become America's 51st state.

The buzz intensified after Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title Tuesday night in Miami, defeating a star-studded Team USA 3-2 in a thrilling final. Venezuela led 2-0 through six innings behind strong pitching, but Bryce Harper's two-run homer in the eighth tied the score at 2-2. Eugenio Suárez delivered a go-ahead double in the ninth to secure the win.

Trump first teased the idea on Truth Social after Venezuela's 4-2 semifinal victory over Italy on Monday. "Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal. They play the USA tomorrow for the Championship. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?" he wrote. Hours after the championship, he followed up simply: "STATEHOOD!!! President DJT."

The remarks come amid a dramatic shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations. In January 2026, U.S. forces launched a military operation that ousted former President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in a New York court. Trump has stated the U.S. will oversee Venezuela until a secure power transition occurs.

Venezuelan leaders celebrated the baseball triumph. President Delcy Rodríguez declared Wednesday a National Day of Jubilation, with most workers off except for essential services. "Venezuela triumphs as one! For the first time, we are champions of the World Baseball Classic," she posted on X. Team captain Salvador Pérez compared the victory to a World Series game seven, noting the joy for Venezuela's 30 million people.

Trump's comments drew widespread attention online, blending sports excitement with geopolitical speculation. The posts echoed his earlier suggestions for Canada to join as the 51st state. As Venezuela's oil-rich economy stabilizes post-Maduro, discussions of deeper U.S. ties gained traction among some observers.