U.S. President Donald Trump made an interesting comment after Venezuela defeated Italy in the World Baseball Classic semifinal on Monday. The Venezuelans won 4-2 and secured their spot for Tuesday’s final versus Team USA.
Trump posted on Truth Social, praising the Venezuelan team. However, towards the end of his message, he flirted with the political idea of “statehood,” asking if Venezuela could join the U.S. as its 51st state.
“Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal. They are looking really great. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE? President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote.
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His comments came two months after the U.S. conducted Operation Absolute Resolve. Special ops captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump also called for Canada to join as America’s 51st state in October.
What did members from USA and Venezuela say before the big World Baseball Classic final?
The USA is looking to secure its second World Baseball Classic title, while Venezuela is aiming to win its first. Players from both teams expressed pride in representing their countries.
Team USA pitcher Nolan McLean called the copportunity an “unbelievable experience.”
“”I think you’re crazy if you don’t want to do this, honestly,” McLean said to reporters on Monday. “Just getting the opportunity to put that ‘USA’ on your chest and go out there and compete with honestly the best players in the world, I think it’s an unbelievable experience for me.”
Meanwhile, Venezuela manager Omar Lopez stressed the importance of the final to him and his players. He added that having the chance to win the tournament was something he looked forward to.
“This is what I dreamed of,” Lopez said. “What could I do to put my little grain in the sand to try and make my country happy? It’s a dream I tried to preach to everyone, to be in this position and have a chance to do this.”
The World Baseball Classic final will be played on Tuesday at loanDepot Park in Miami. It will start at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the live coverage on Fox and Fox Deportes.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
