President Donald Trump showed why he earned the nickname "Trollmaster-in-Chief" Tuesday night, joking that Venezuela should become America's 51st state after their stunning 3-2 victory over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship.
The comment, delivered with Trump's trademark grin during an impromptu press gaggle, sent social media into overdrive and had Democrats clutching their pearls faster than you could say "mean tweets."
"They played incredible baseball, incredible," Trump said. "Maybe we should make them the 51st state - at least their baseball team knows how to win, unlike some people I know in Washington."
Venezuela captured their first-ever World Baseball Classic championship in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 2-0 deficit before ultimately defeating the heavily favored American squad. Bryce Harper's clutch two-run homer in the eighth inning briefly tied the game and gave Team USA hope, but Venezuela answered back to claim the historic victory.
Art of the Deal Meets America's Pastime
Leave it to Trump to find the perfect angle on what many are calling one of the biggest upsets in international baseball. While the mainstream media scrambled to write their usual doom-and-gloom takes about American decline, our President saw an opportunity for his legendary sense of humor.
"The President was clearly having fun with reporters," explained White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "He respects great competition and great baseball, regardless of where it comes from."
"Maybe we should make them the 51st state - at least their baseball team knows how to win, unlike some people I know in Washington." - President Trump
Of course, the usual suspects in legacy media are already twisting Trump's obvious joke into some kind of "imperial overreach" or "dangerous rhetoric." These are the same people who spent four years claiming every Trump tweet was a threat to democracy.
Patriots know better. This is classic Trump - turning a sports story into a moment that showcases American appreciation for excellence while delivering a perfectly timed jab at his critics. After all, when was the last time Team USA dominated anything under weak leadership?
Venezuela may have won this round, but with Trump back in the White House, America is winning where it counts most.