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Breaking: US President Trump Teases Venezuela Statehood, Bitcoin Plunge

Varinder Singh
March 17, 2026
Varinder Singh

Varinder Singh

Independent Sr. Journalist
Expertise : Bitcoin, Crypto, Global Macro, DeFi, Blockchain, Web3, US Stocks, AI, Regulations and Lawsuits, & More
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.
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CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
US President Trump Teases Venezuela Statehood, Bitcoin Plunge

Highlights

  • President Donald Trump sparks the idea of Venezuela becoming the 51st US state.
  • Venezuela defeated Italy in the WBC semifinal baseball game to face the US in the final.
  • Bitcoin plunges almost 2% ahead of the FOMC Meeting.

President Donald Trump teased the idea of Venezuela becoming the 51st US state, sparking massive speculations. This comes amid Venezuela’s win over Italy in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinal, advancing to face the United States in the final. However, the remark has triggered a pullback in Bitcoin price.

Donald Trump Proposes Venezuela as 51st US State

US President Donald Trump praised Venezuela defeating Italy by 4-2 in the WBC semifinal baseball game. He linked the win to US actions earlier in 2026, including the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro.

He said “They are looking really great. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about?” Trump ended his Truth Social post with “STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?” sparking massive reactions amid the Middle East geopolitical concerns.

Trump Calls Venezuela 51st US State
Trump Calls Venezuela a 51st US State. Source: Truth Social

The Trump administration is currently working to restore Venezuela’s economy to benefit both the American and Venezuelan people. The US government and companies have signed multiple deals in Venezuela. The Trump administration facilitated a multimillion-dollar gold deal between the US and Venezuela.

Some people think that even if Venezuela wins against the United States, Trump will claim the trophy for America anyway. Either way, Trump is taking credit.

Bitcoin Price Pullsback 2%

Bitcoin witnessed an almost 2% pullback after Trump sparked the idea of Venezuela statehood, with the price currently trading at $74,275. The 24-hour low and high are $72,912 and $75,988, respectively. Furthermore, trading volume has increased by 69% in the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin in Hourly Timeframe
Bitcoin in Hourly Timeframe

CoinGlass data also confirmed profit booking in the derivatives market. At the time of writing, the total BTC futures open interest slumped 2% to $50.69 billion in the last 24 hours. BTC futures OI on CME and Binance plunged more than 1.20% and 2.50%, respectively. This signals a negative sentiment ahead of the FOMC meeting.

CryptoQuant data revealed that whales accumulated massively during the recent Bitcoin price rally, with the exchange whale ratio reaching a six-year high to spark hints of a potential market bottom. However, short-term holders have sent over 37,500 Bitcoin to exchanges in the past 24 hours, marking the largest inflow since January 15.

Bitcoin Short Term Holders Profit/Loss
Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Profit/Loss. Source: CryptoQuant
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more… to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

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About Author
About Author
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.