Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in Nicaragua

President Trump continued for one year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13851 regarding the situation in Nicaragua, citing ongoing threats from the Ortega regime's violence against civilians, dismantling of democratic institutions, and economic destabilization. The continuation extends the emergency beyond its November 27, 2020 expiration date under the National Emergencies Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 75831

Impact dates

Nov 27, 2021
Continued national emergency expires unless further extended

Key directives

Continue national emergency declared in Executive Order 13851 for 1 year beyond November 27, 2020
Publish notice in Federal Register
Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

National emergency continues beyond November 27, 2020
Sanctions authorities under IEEPA remain active

Near term (90d)

Annual review and potential additional designations under EO 13851

Long term

Continued U.S. pressure campaign against Ortega regime through 2021
Potential for further sanctions or policy adjustments depending on Nicaraguan government behavior

Risks & tensions

Routine procedural continuation that preserves sanctions architecture without escalating pressure
Bipartisan consensus on Nicaragua policy likely; tension between pressure and migration concerns
Uncertainty about whether Biden administration would maintain or modify approach after January 2021