Trump suggests making Venezuela 51st state at Texas rally

US President Donald Trump showcased a shipment of Venezuelan oil and suggested that Venezuela could someday "become a prosperous 51st state." during a midterm campaign stop in Texas on Tuesday to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.

Joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the port of Corpus Christi, Trump pointed to a tanker carrying 1 million barrels of oil destined for Texan refineries.

Speaking against the backdrop of the vessel, Trump highlighted US operations in Venezuela earlier this year, saying: "To the victor belongs the spoils," and suggested the nation could eventually become the 51st American state.

The rally formed part of a frenzied tour against unusually strong Democratic candidates across key Republican strongholds ahead of next week's elections.