Sanctioning the Ortega-Murillo Dictatorship-Linked Gold Sector

PRESS STATEMENT

THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

APRIL 16, 2026

The United States is imposing sanctions on two of Ortega and Murillo’s sons, five other individuals, and seven companies that have enabled the dictatorship’s corrupt control over Nicaragua’s gold sector, seizure of property owned by U.S. citizens, and proliferation of its dynastic rule.

Since 2020, the dictatorship has restructured the gold sector into a complex network of front companies and intermediaries designed to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and reinforce political control for their own benefit. The dictatorship also has continually consolidated its illegitimate power into the first family’s hands, anointing their children as dictatorship officials to carry out their dynastic objectives.

The Trump Administration will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to defend U.S. interests and amplify the Nicaraguan people’s demands for freedom, unalienable rights, and economic security. We call on the dictatorship to respect private property, unconditionally release all unjustly detained prisoners, and restore sound governance.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the authorities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended by E.O 14088. For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.