Rusty Weiss
President Trump wasted no time injecting a dose of classic Trumpian flair into the World Baseball Classic, congratulating Venezuela on their dramatic 4-2 semifinal comeback victory over previously undefeated Italy while cheekily floating the idea of the South American nation becoming America’s 51st state.
Wait, we thought that was supposed to be Canada? Or was it Greenland? Hard to keep track.
Anyway, Trump, who helped Venezuela in the real world by capturing dictator Nicolás Maduro, seemed to imply he had a hand in the nation’s good fortunes in the WBC.
“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?” he wrote. “STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 17, 2026
Trump Suggests Venezuela as 51st State After WBC Win Over Italy
Venezuela’s rally—overcoming an early 2-0 deficit with key hits from Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez in the seventh inning, plus lockdown relief pitching—propelled them to their first-ever WBC final, setting up a high-stakes showdown against Team USA on Tuesday night.
Whether you view Trump’s comments as serious saber-rattling or just the president having fun with a late-night game, one thing’s clear: the WBC final just got even more interesting.
One thing we do know is that the other potential 51st state has suffered significantly—from a sports standpoint—under President Trump. And that really has to bother them. Especially when they could have been gold medal winners if they had just taken the President up on his offer.
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Team USA and Venezuela will square off tonight in a star-studded 2026 World Baseball Classic final at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Americans are aiming to claim their second title since 2017, while Venezuela chases its first-ever WBC crown.
Aaron Judge and the loaded U.S. roster will take on a red-hot Venezuelan lineup featuring Acuña, Arraez, and Garcia in what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining affair packed with All-Stars on both sides.
Who will Trump be congratulating after tonight’s contest? We know one team it won’t be. The Dominican Republic. Yes, despite the fact that New York Mets star Juan Soto declared his squad to be the “best team in baseball,” they won’t be on the field tonight.
Weird how the “best team” won’t be in the title game to determine the actual best team. Better luck next time, Juan.