White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the U.S. is in "close correspondence" with interim Venezuelan authorities following the toppling of the Maduro regime.

Venezuela has the largest oil reserves of any country on Earth. But the type of oil it has is difficult, and dirty, to process. Experts say ramping up production would be expensive, and dangerous for the climate and environment.

Currently, Chevron is the only major U.S. firm still operating in Venezuela through joint ventures with state oil company PDVSA. Other U.S. companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips do not have ventures in Venezuela, as sanctions remain in place.

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.

A large crowd supporting the ousted president Nicolás Maduro marched through the streets of Caracas on Tuesday, demanding his release from an American jail, while Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, made it clear the regime he put in place remained in power.

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would be providing 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., and he pledged to use proceeds from the sale of this oil "to benefit the people" of both countries.

"This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America," Trump said.

Venezuela comparison while discussing the search for new defensive coordinator after firing Matt Eberflus this week.