Trump Endorses Nasry Asfura Ahead of Honduras’ High-Stakes Presidential Election

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed Honduran presidential candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura just days before Honduras heads to the polls in a tightly contested election. Posting on Truth Social, Trump urged voters to support the conservative National Party candidate, saying he represents “freedom and democracy” and would be a strong ally in the fight against drug trafficking.

Hondurans will vote on Sunday in a race considered too close to call. Recent polls show Asfura—formerly the mayor of Tegucigalpa—locked in a virtual tie with two rivals: Rixi Moncada of the ruling LIBRE Party and Salvador Nasralla of the centrist Liberal Party. The outcome will determine who governs Honduras from 2026 to 2030, and analysts warn that the slim margins could lead to multiple candidates claiming victory.

Trump framed the election as a pivotal moment for Honduras’ political future, labeling Moncada a “communist” and calling Nasralla a “borderline communist,” though neither candidate identifies as such. He also claimed that a LIBRE victory could strengthen the influence of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom he accused of “narcoterrorism”—allegations Maduro denies.

The current administration of President Xiomara Castro, in power since 2021, has cultivated close relationships with Cuba and Venezuela. This alignment has drawn criticism from U.S. conservatives, who argue that both nations face severe economic turmoil and human rights concerns.

Asfura’s National Party previously maintained strong ties with Washington during the presidency of Juan Orlando Hernández, who governed from 2014 to 2022. Hernández is now serving a 45-year sentence in the United States after being convicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

With the election approaching, the Organization of American States and the U.S. State Department have expressed concerns about potential irregularities in Honduras’ electoral process and are monitoring developments closely. The competitive landscape, international scrutiny, and Trump’s endorsement add further intensity to a vote that could reshape the country’s political trajectory.