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.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to be sworn in for a third term on Friday amid protests and international calls for him to stand aside.

With his challengers scattered and reeling, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro is set to be sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, shrugging off international condemnation of a sham election and a brutal crackdown on dissent.