Delcy Rodriguez, the acting president of Venezuela, rejected the idea proposed by US President Donald Trump that Venezuela could become the '51st state' of the United States. Speaking after a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Rodriguez stated that such a notion has 'never' been considered and contradicts Venezuela's commitment to independence. Trump's comments followed the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January. In previous statements, Trump expressed interest in tighter control over Venezuela and even suggested statehood in a post on his Truth Social platform. Rodriguez countered this narrative, asserting that Venezuelans cherish their independence and national heroes. She also mentioned that her government is pursuing a 'diplomatic cooperation agenda' with the US, which includes reforms in the oil and mining sectors and the release of political prisoners, indicating a thaw in relations since Maduro's exit.