January 31, 2022 Presidential Actions Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations.  Shining a light …

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State January 10, 2022 In concert with democracies in the international community, the United States will continue to call out the Ortega-Murillo regime’s ongoing abuses and will deploy diplomatic and economic tools to support the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Nicaragua. To that end, …

January 10, 2022 Actions Taken in Conjunction with European Union Sanctions WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six officials of the Government of Nicaragua pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851. President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo are scheduled to be inaugurated today following …

November 16, 2021 Presidential Actions In light of the importance to the United States of fostering democratic processes and institutions in Nicaragua to help the Nicaraguan people achieve their aspirations for democracy, and given the suppression of human rights and democracy in Nicaragua, I have determined that it is in the interest of the United States …

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 15, 2021 The United States is acting to promote accountability for Nicaraguan officials in the wake of the November sham election in Nicaragua.  Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions against the Nicaraguan Public Ministry and nine Nicaraguan government officials. …

November 15, 2021 WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Public Ministry of Nicaragua (Ministerio Publico de Nicaragua) as well as nine officials of the Government of Nicaragua in response to the sham national elections orchestrated by President Daniel Ortega (Ortega) and Vice President Rosario …

October 08, 2021 Presidential Actions Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring …

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State September 15, 2021 On behalf of the American people, I convey regards to our Central American neighbors in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, who today are each celebrating the 200th anniversary of their independence, initially as a united Central America. This special celebration inspires …

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State September 14, 2021 On behalf of the Government and people of the United States, I express solidarity with the people of Nicaragua on their 200th Independence Day. Independence Day should be a time to celebrate freedom and the historic achievement of self-government.  Sadly, today in Nicaragua the freedom for …

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 7, 2021 President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo’s decision on August 6 to ban the last genuine opposition party from participating in the November elections underscores their desire to remain in power at all costs. This autocratic maneuver follows the detention of seven presidential …

PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON MAY 6, 2021 The United States is deeply concerned that the Nicaraguan Government under Daniel Ortega has rebuffed calls by its own citizens and the international community — including the Organization of American States, the European Union, and the United Nations — to build confidence in the electoral process by passing meaningful reforms to …

Press Statement by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State on Earth Day 2021

U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Michael R. Pompeo May 22, 2020 Today, the United States announces new financial sanctions against Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo (Aviles) and Ivan Adolfo Acosta Montalvan (Acosta).  This new action furthers United States policy to hold accountable those individuals and entities who are key enablers of Ortega’s misrule and who …

U.S Department of the Treasury Press Releases May 22, 2020 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two senior Nicaraguan government officials, Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo and Ivan Adolfo Acosta Montalvan for supporting the corrupt Ortega regime. Since April 2018, the Ortega regime has cracked down …

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State March 5, 2020 Today, the United States announces new financial sanctions against the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) and three NNP commissioners, Juan Antonio Valle Valle (Valle Valle), Luis Alberto Perez Olivas (Perez Olivas), and Justo Pastor Urbina (Urbina).  This latest action is further proof of the United …

March 5, 2020 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP), the primary law enforcement entity in Nicaragua, for its role in serious human rights abuse in Nicaragua. Additionally, OFAC designated three NNP commissioners, Juan Antonio Valle Valle, Luis Alberto Perez Olivas, …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Statement by Secretary MICHAEL R. POMPEO December 12, 2019 Today, the United States announces new financial sanctions against Daniel Ortega’s son Rafael Ortega and three Nicaraguan companies.  This new action furthers the United States’ unwavering commitment to use all economic and diplomatic tools to hold the government …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY MORGAN ORTAGUS, SPOKESPERSON June 12, 2019 Restoring Fundamental Freedoms in Nicaragua The recent release of more than 100 Nicaraguan citizens who were imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms means that these Nicaraguans, who have sacrificed greatly in the struggle for genuine democracy in Nicaragua, will …

Press Statement by the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson: Political Prisoners in Nicaragua

Press release: Congressman Chabot Visits Nicaragua & El Salvador

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 4, 2019 On April 4, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Georgia held an event in Geneva, Switzerland, to expose the ongoing violations and abuses of human rights in Nicaragua that began in April 2018 with the Ortega-Murillo regime’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. U.S. …

Press Statement Robert Palladino Deputy Spokesperson Washington, DC March 18, 2019 The United States condemns the Ortega regime’s continued violence and repression toward the Nicaraguan people, including the arbitrary detention of hundreds of peaceful protestors and violence against independent media on March 16. The United States will continue to urge accountability for those who have …

Press Release – Feb. 2, 2019: Donation to Volunteer Fire Department Brought to Nicaragua on U.S. Air Force Cargo Plane

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO January 28, 2019 Sanctions Against PDVSA and Venezuela Oil Sector Today, the United States has taken necessary actions to prevent the illegitimate former Maduro regime from further plundering Venezuela’s assets and natural resources. The United States has determined that persons operating …

Presidential Proclamation: National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2018

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2018 Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Cardinal Pietro Parolin Vice President Mike Pence spoke today with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, to discuss their mutual concern about the on-going political crisis in Nicaragua. Vice President …

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 30, 2018  The United States strongly condemns the ongoing violence in Nicaragua and human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime in response to protests. After years of fraudulent elections and the regime’s manipulation of Nicaraguan law – as well as the suppression of …

July 5, 2018 Designations Represent a Response to the Violence and Corruption in Nicaragua Washington – The United States is deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Nicaragua. We condemn the violence perpetrated by security forces and others that have resulted in the death of at least 220 demonstrators, and nearly 1,500 injured. Since protests …

U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release April 13, 2018 United States Assisting Venezuelans in Need Today, the United States announced nearly $16 million in humanitarian assistance for Venezuelans who have fled their country due to the crisis there. This funding from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International …

The White House Office of the Press Secretary March 26, 2018 Statement from the Press Secretary on the Expulsion of Russian Intelligence Officers Today President Donald J. Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian intelligence officers from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle due to its proximity to …

The White House March 15, 2018 Statement from the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on the Attack in Salisbury We, the leaders of France, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom, abhor the attack that took place against Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, United Kingdom, on March 4, 2018. A …

U.S. Department of the Treasury Press Releases March 15, 2018 Treasury Sanctions Russian Cyber Actors for Interference with the 2016 U.S. Elections and Malicious Cyber-Attacks Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five entities and 19 individuals under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) as …

Statement by Heather Nauert, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson: Defending Democracy in Venezuela

Statement by Heather Nauert, Department of State Spokesperson: Presidential Elections Announced in Venezuela

U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson January 26, 2018 U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Austin, Texas, and then to Mexico City, Mexico; Bariloche and Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima, Perú; Bogotá, Colombia; and Kingston, Jamaica on February 1-7. The Secretary will engage with regional partners …

U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release  Statement by Heather Nauert, Spokesperson January 24, 2018 The United States strongly rejects the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for snap presidential elections before April 30. This vote would be neither free nor fair. It would only deepen, not help resolve, national tensions. It …

Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC November 22, 2017 In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25 and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the United States reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of women and girls to …

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 13, 2017 National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2017 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have helped shape our great Nation. We are grateful for the many contributions Hispanic American …

Press Statement from the Department of State: Criminalizing Dissent in Venezuela

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary August 25, 2017 President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order imposing strong, new financial sanctions on the dictatorship in Venezuela. The Maduro dictatorship continues to deprive the Venezuelan people of food and medicine, imprison the democratically-elected opposition, and violently suppress freedom of speech. The regime’s …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson ________________________________ For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON August 18, 2017 Assumption of Legislative Powers in Venezuela The United States strongly condemns the assumption of legislative powers by the illegitimate Constituent Assembly. This power grab is designed to supplant the democratically-elected National Assembly with an authoritarian …

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary August 1, 2017 Statement by President Donald J. Trump The United States condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship. Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime. The United States holds Maduro – who publicly announced just hours earlier that he …

EXCERPT THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President August 13, 2017 Remarks by Vice President Pence on Venezuela and Colombia Casa de Huespedes Ilustres Cartagena, Colombia 6:26 P.M. Local ET VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: President Santos, thank you for the warm welcome you and Maria Clemencia have shown to me and my wife, Karen. It …

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary August 1, 2017 Statement by President Donald J. Trump The United States condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship. Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime. The United States holds Maduro – who publicly announced just hours earlier that he …

Statement by Heather Nauert, U.S. State Department Spokesperson July 30, 2017 Defending Democracy in Venezuela The United States forcefully condemns the elections imposed on July 30 for the National Constituent Assembly, which is designed to replace the legitimately elected National Assembly and undermine the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination. We will not allow Venezuela’s democracy …

Press Release: U.S. Embassy assists in search and rescue mission

A C-5 Galaxy, the largest airplane in the United States Air Force’s inventory landed at Augusto C. Sandino’s International Airport Saturday carrying donations for local organizations from humanitarian organizations in the United States. The total donation amounted to 37,000 Kg in foods and 9,500 Kg in firefighting equipment with a total value of $215,000. The …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON April 10, 2017 Venezuela: Maduro Government Must Stop Silencing Opposition Voices The United States views with grave concern the Venezuelan government’s actions to bar Miranda State Governor Henrique Capriles—a prominent, democratically-elected member of Venezuela’s political opposition and former …

Press Release November 9, 2016 From the White House residence, the President phoned Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory early this morning. The President also called Secretary Clinton and expressed admiration for the strong campaign she waged throughout the country. The President will make a statement on Wednesday at the White House to …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON November 7, 2016Nicaraguan Elections The United States is deeply concerned by the flawed presidential and legislative electoral process in Nicaragua, which precluded the possibility of a free and fair election on November 6. In advance of the elections, …