Embassy of the United States in Nicaragua Embajada de Estados Unidos Managua
Location	Managua, Nicaragua
Address	Kilometer 5 1/2 (5.5) Carretera Sur
Coordinates	12°7′54″N 86°18′33″W / 12.13167°N 86.30917°W / 12.13167; -86.30917
Ambassador	Kevin K. Sullivan (since 2018)
Website	U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua

The mission of the United States Embassy in Nicaragua is to advance the interests of the United States, and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Nicaragua. As of 2019^[update], Ambassador of the United States to Nicaragua is Kevin K. Sullivan, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate on October 11, 2018.

History

Diplomatic ties between the United States and Nicaragua were first established in 1824 when Nicaragua was part of the Federation of Central American States. The United States formally recognized an independent Nicaragua on December 24, 1849, following Nicaragua's withdrawal from the Federation in 1838.^[1][2]

The first diplomatic mission of the United States in Nicaragua commenced on February 18, 1851, with John B. Kerr as the Chargé d’Affaires. However, relations have experienced interruptions, such as when the U.S. severed diplomatic ties on December 1, 1909, due to the execution of U.S. citizens who supported a rebellion against Nicaraguan President José Santos Zelaya. Subsequent re-establishment of relations occurred on February 21, 1911.^[1][2]

Throughout the early 20th century, the U.S. influence in Nicaragua was significant, with military presences and involvement in Nicaraguan politics. Instances like the refusal to recognize governments assuming power by force, such as that of General Emiliano Chamorro Vargas in the 1920s, demonstrated the U.S. policy stance regarding legitimacy and authority in the region.^[1][2]

On March 27, 1943, the Legation in Managua was elevated to an Embassy, with the first Ambassador, James B. Stewart, appointed. Relations again soured post-World War II, particularly evidenced by the U.S. non-recognition of Anastasio Somoza García's regime in 1947 following another coup. However, in 1948, the U.S. reaffirmed its diplomatic mission by appointing a new Ambassador, George P. Shaw.^[1][2]

One of the most notable diplomatic crises occurred in July 1988 when the Sandinista government expelled U.S. Ambassador Richard Melton and several embassy staff, prompting reciprocal actions by the U.S. However, by June 21, 1990, with the presentation of credentials by Ambassador Harry W. Shlaudeman, diplomatic relations on the ambassadorial level were resumed.^[1][2]