Trump claims he’s polling highest in Venezuela: ‘I’ll learn Spanish and run for president’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joked that he could run for president of Venezuela, claiming he polls higher than any political figure in the South American nation. 

The remarks came during an April 6 press conference at the White House, where he was addressing a high-risk US military operation to rescue two downed airmen in Iran. While discussing the mission, the president repeatedly referenced Venezuela, drawing comparisons between the two situations.

Trump claims he polls highest in Venezuela

Trump said Venezuelans support him and suggested he could consider entering the country’s political landscape after completing his current term.

"The people of Venezuela, they say, if I ran for president of Venezuela, I'm polling higher than anybody has ever polled in Venezuela, so after I'm finished with this, I can go to Venezuela,"

Trump said. "I will quickly learn Spanish. It won't take too long. I'm good at language and I will go to Venezuela. I'm going to run for president. But we're very happy with the president-elect that we have right now." 

He made similar comments during a cabinet meeting in March, stating that he "may run" for president against acting Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez, whom he previously installed following the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Trump described the possibility of running in Venezuela as a “wonderful option,” reiterating his claim that he is highly popular among the country’s citizens. 

Trump compares Iran rescue mission to Venezuela ops

Trump went on to compare the Easter weekend rescue mission in Iran to US actions in Venezuela, suggesting that both situations demonstrated American military strength.

He also claimed that the conflict in Venezuela was resolved quickly, saying it was "over in 45 minutes." Trump further asserted that the United States had taken hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from the country, highlighting what he described as a successful outcome. 

The president suggested that similar results could be achieved in Iran, drawing a parallel between the two geopolitical situations.

Trump comments on Spanish skills and language learning

Trump’s remarks about learning Spanish appeared to contrast with statements he made in March during the inaugural Shield of the Americas Summit.

At that time, he indicated he would not invest time in learning a new language.

During the earlier address, he praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his fluency in Spanish, noting the advantage it provides in diplomatic engagements.

"He’s got a language advantage over me, ‘cause I’m not learning your damn language," Trump said. "I don’t have time. I was okay with languages but I’m not gonna spend time learning your language. That much I won’t do."