Flattery at a new level: U.S. Secretary of the Interior says Venezuela should build a statue for Trump

How does the current economic situation in Venezuela affect the feasibility of erecting a statue?

“Flatterers swarm around.” On March 26 local time, The Guardian described the U.S. cabinet meeting that took place that day.

The Guardian reported that U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum outshone others, claiming that Venezuela intends to erect a statue of U.S. President Trump.

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-42ca766195-f99038621a-8b7abd-ceda62)

Image of Doug Burgum, AP

According to reports, Trump brought up the topic himself, claiming that forcibly removing Maduro would be a “win-win.”

“We made a lot of money, and they made a lot of money,” Trump said. “I am the most popular person. In other words, after my presidency ends, I might run for president in Venezuela against the acting president Rodriguez. That is an option. They really like me in Venezuela.”

At the end of the cabinet meeting, Burgum, who recently visited Venezuela, said, “I really believe they will build a statue for President Trump—this is not a political statement.”

Trump immediately interjected, “That would be a tremendous honor!”

The report describes that some people at the scene laughed, and Trump laughed too.

Burgum continued, “Because they see President Trump as Simon Bolivar (who played a key role in South America’s independence from Spanish colonial rule), he is the liberator of the nation, and this is a country that loves American baseball; you can still see many people wearing NBA jerseys on the streets.”

Burgum also mentioned that during his recent visit, the media was allowed into Venezuela’s “White House”—the Miraflores Palace—for the first time in 20 years, and he noted encouraging signs of the return of American businesses and oil production.

“Don’t say that,” Trump interrupted Burgum, “When are they going to build that statue?”

Laughter erupted in the room.

According to reports, Trump has long had a fondness for statues. He has criticized protesters who toppled Confederate statues and suggested the creation of a “National Park of American Heroes.” Recently, Trump also placed a statue of Columbus at the White House.

The Trump administration has promised to bring economic prosperity to the Venezuelan people after overthrowing Maduro. However, Bloomberg pointed out that in the past two months, life for the Venezuelan people has become even more difficult, with inflation soaring to 600%.

Phil Gunson, an analyst for the International Crisis Group in Venezuela, said, “The inflation rate is very high, the Venezuelan currency bolívar is depreciating, and people still can only receive meager wages.”

Since 2022, Venezuela's official minimum wage has remained at 130 bolívars, approximately 30 cents. Workers need to rely on part-time jobs and other means to make ends meet. Most respondents indicated that a minimum wage sufficient for living should be between $200 and $400 per month.

Additionally, reports indicate that the country’s oil production fell by 21% in January to 780,000 barrels per day, with exports significantly reduced.

**This article is an exclusive piece from Observer Network and may not be reproduced without permission.**