Donald Trump says Venezuela's embattled opposition leader must be protected, as President Nicolas Maduro prepares to take the oath again after allegedly stealing an election.

The United States on Friday imposed new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials and increased the reward for the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro on the day of his inauguration to a third term following a disputed election last year.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will be sworn in for a third six-year term after a reelection widely viewed as illegitimate and as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on its opponents.

Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro began a third term as president on Friday, cementing his increasingly authoritarian rule.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, whose nearly 12 years in office have been marked by a deep economic and social crisis, was sworn in for his third term on Friday, remaining in power despite a six-month-long dispute over a contested July election and international calls for him to stand aside.

Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third presidential term after an election the opposition says was rigged.