Americans have largely voiced opposition to former President Donald Trump’s proposals for expanding the United States, particularly his suggestions of incorporating Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba as new states. An exclusive poll reveals a significant public disapproval of such annexations.
Venezuela Faces Strongest Opposition
Venezuela, a nation Trump has previously targeted with strong rhetoric and, according to some accounts, military action to unseat its leader, received the most forceful rejection. A substantial 60 percent of surveyed voters indicated they somewhat or strongly opposed making Venezuela the 51st state. Even within the Republican voter base, only 19 percent expressed support for this idea.
Greenland and Cuba Also Meet Resistance
Greenland, while faring somewhat better than Venezuela, was still rejected as a potential state by a 20-point margin. Forty-two percent of Republican voters indicated backing for annexing the Danish territory, contrasted with 63 percent of Democrats who opposed it. The prospect of Cuban statehood garnered nearly as much disapproval as Venezuela, with 56 percent of all respondents opposing it. Only 22 percent approved of incorporating Cuba, despite Trump’s past statements about potentially taking control of the island.
Poll Details and Trump’s Past Statements
The poll, which surveyed 1,003 registered voters from May 15 to May 18, explored public sentiment on these three specific territories. Reports indicate that US forces have been involved in Venezuela, with an operation targeting President Nicolás Maduro. Following a victory by Venezuela’s baseball team in March, Trump posted on social media, “STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”
Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to 2019, though Denmark, which governs the island, and Greenlanders themselves have consistently rebuffed such overtures. In January, Trump reportedly caused controversy by not ruling out military intervention to acquire Greenland and by threatening tariffs on European nations that did not support his aims, a stance he later softened at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Protests occurred recently in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, coinciding with the opening of a new US consulate.
While Trump has not explicitly called for Cuban statehood, he has frequently suggested taking the island as part of his strategy against its current government. At a press conference in March, Trump stated, “All my life, I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I’ll be having the honor of taking Cuba.” He further commented, “Whether I free it, take it, I can do anything I want with it. They’re a very weakened nation.””
