Trump Energy Chief Says US Aims to ‘Set Free’ Venezuelan Economy

President Donald Trump’s energy chief said that the US can help Venezuela drive a “dramatic increase” in oil, natural gas and electricity output this year, as Washington works to issue new licenses aimed at “setting free” the country’s economy.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke to reporters after meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez and other top Venezuelan officials at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, as the US pushes to revive Venezuela’s beleaguered oil sector.

Chris Wright shakes hands with Delcy Rodriguez during a press conference after a meeting at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Feb. 11.

Photographer: Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images

“Our government in Washington DC has been working seven days a week to issue licenses so existing businesses in Venezuela, new businesses that want ...