'Hell to pay...': Trump warns Honduras over election result change
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has accused Honduras of trying to alter the results of its recent presidential election. He warned that if this is done, "there will be hell to pay." In a post on Truth Social on Monday, he said the National Electoral Commission in Honduras abruptly stopped counting votes at midnight on November 30, with only 47% of votes counted.
Election interference
Trump endorses right-wing candidate in Honduras
Trump has publicly endorsed right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura, calling him "the only real friend of Freedom." He threatened to cut aid to Honduras if Asfura doesn't win. This comes after his similar interference in other Latin American countries, such as Argentina, where he promised $20 billion contingent on whether right-wing President Javier Milei wins in the legislative election.
Global endorsement
US officials openly support right-wing candidates abroad
US Secretary of Defense Marco Rubio has also criticized left-wing leaders in Latin America, calling Colombia's president Gustavo Petro a "lunatic." The US has also tried to influence European elections, with Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem endorsing conservative candidate Karol Kawrocki in Poland. Trump's deputy J D Vance has also publicly slammed Germany over restrictions on the far-right AfD party.
Election climate
Honduras elections amid allegations and international pressure
The Honduran elections are taking place in a polarized atmosphere, with accusations of fraud among the top candidates. Rixi Moncada from the Libre party has even hinted at not recognizing official results. The elections also include congressional seats and local officials. This comes as Trump continues to make waves with his open interference in foreign politics, a move that experts say is unprecedented for a US president.