Skip to main content
Why is Trump now ramping up his attacks on Nicaragua?
Sanctions and even interventions against the small Latin American nation are part of a pattern of desperation from an ailing US empire, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE

A LEAKED document revealed by Nicaragua’s independent “Radio La Primerisima” has shown that the Trump administration is accelerating its plans — illegal under international law — to enforce “regime change” in Nicaragua.

The 14-page plan produced by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) sets out how it expects a contractor to achieve or support a change in government that will be favourable to US interests.

What is prompting this US initiative is concern that the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party could win the presidential election scheduled for November 2021 and continue policies in terms of the economy and regional affairs that are contrary to the US’s wishes.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
GREEN INNOVATION: The Cheonggyecheon urban redevelopment ope
Features / 29 July 2023
29 July 2023
It is mayors living close to the people who understand what is needed to tackle climate change better than national politicians in their private jets and chauffeur-driven cars, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
PLENTY TO CHEW ON: (Left) Mission Barrio Adentro, Dr Jose Ca
Features / 1 July 2023
1 July 2023
With the 25th anniversary of his first election approaching this year, KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the achievements and legacy of an important figure in Latin America’s history
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Reception class student Jayden-Luke Davi
Features / 16 June 2023
16 June 2023
KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the importance of devolution – and using devolved powers for progressive ends
'Thatcher's approach to the 1984-85 miners’ strike was a p
Features / 19 May 2023
19 May 2023
Wide-ranging attacks on ‘enemies within’ are reminiscent of Thatcher’s assault on the miners, GLC, and black and Irish communities in the '80s, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
Similar stories
GENDER EQUALITY: A woman holds a Sandinista party flag at In
Features / 9 April 2025
9 April 2025
Our delegation found a small but brave and bold socialist nation that has withstood imperialist machinations and poisonous slander to make impressive leaps in healthcare and women’s rights, reports VETERANS FOR PEACE
MORE THAN MEETS THE
EYE: While USAid does
provide humanitari
Features / 16 February 2025
16 February 2025
With its track record of leveraging cultural power for US gain and barely concealed promotion of coup attempts, the US Agency for International Development will not be mourned among the US’s southern neighbours, write JOHN PERRY and ROGER D HARRIS
Nicaraguan citizens wave from a bus after being released fro
Features / 27 September 2024
27 September 2024
Washington’s wild claims about migration from and via Nicaragua are evidence-free and a convenient addition to US criticisms of the Sandinista government, argues JOHN PERRY
Features / 12 September 2024
12 September 2024
The Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group's HELEN YUILL tells the story of solidarity between two small nations, that despite geographical distances, that have united in their struggle against imperialism and colonialism