The Energy secretary's comments come as President Donald Trump also discusses bringing U.S. oil companies into Venezuela.

Venezuela’s opposition supporters have long hoped for the day when Nicolás Maduro is no longer in power — a dream that was fulfilled when the U.S. military whisked the authoritarian leader away. But while Maduro is in jail in New York on drug trafficking charges,

First, the country must kick out China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties, the sources said. Second, Venezuela must agree to partner exclusively with the U.S. on oil production and favor America when selling heavy crude oil, they added.

It comes after Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized from Caracas and flown to the US. They have since appeared at a New York court.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, to be sold at market value and with the proceeds controlled by the US.

A new political theory suggests that what motivates this president is something far older than great power rivalry.

US President Donald Trump has said Venezuela "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil - worth about $2.8bn (£2.1bn) - to the US, after a military operation to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

Follow live updates as President Donald Trump speaks about Venezuela's future and U.S. allies respond to his threats against Greenland.