At a reception in Washington on January 30, US President Donald Trump jokingly mentioned the possibility of Venezuela, Canada and Greenland joining the United States, The Washington Post reported.
According to the publication, Trump spoke at the reception, which was held in a hotel and was closed to journalists.
He jokingly noted that he might have to interrupt his speech to observe a possible US invasion of Greenland. And he added: “We will not invade Greenland. We will buy it.“ “I never intended for Greenland to be the 51st state of the United States. "I wanted Canada to be the 51st state. Greenland will be the 52nd state. Venezuela could be the 53rd state of the United States," Trump added. He made it clear that none of his statements should be taken seriously.
The American leader also jokingly said that he might take action against Kevin Warsh, his nominee for Federal Reserve chairman. "If he doesn't lower interest rates, I'll sue him," Trump said.
"There are so many people here that I hate. I like most of you," Trump said, addressing the guests. Among them were prominent business leaders, current and former employees.
The reception was hosted by the prestigious Alfalfa Club. It was established in 1913 for the sole purpose of holding an annual banquet in January in honor of General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the Confederate Army during the Civil War from 1851 to 1865.