Donald Trump raised eyebrows on 26 March after interrupting his own Cabinet meeting's discussion on rising fuel costs to ask when Venezuela plans to build a statue in his honour. The moment, which was broadcast live from the White House, drew laughter from those in the room — but a markedly different reaction online.
The exchange unfolded during Trump's 11th Cabinet meeting, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was outlining the economic impact of Venezuela's growing oil output following the US military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Burgum told those gathered that some in Venezuela are considering honouring Trump with a statue, comparing him to independence leader Simón Bolívar, and describing the president as 'the liberator of a country.'
