Trump warns Honduras: Back my preferred candidate or risk losing US aid

US president Donald Trump has warned Honduras that American aid could be cut if voters do not support his preferred candidate in the country’s upcoming election. 

The warning is the latest example of Trump involving himself in other nations’ internal politics since his return to the White House, including his recent support for granting a pardon to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Honduras is preparing for a highly anticipated election to determine President Xiomara Castro’s successor. Leading the race is 67-year-old right-wing candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, who is supported by Trump and the son of Palestinian immigrants. His main rivals are 60-year-old Rixi Moncada, a former defence minister representing the leftist ruling Libre party, and 72-year-old Salvador Nasralla, a centrist Liberal TV host who has Lebanese roots.

Trump has linked the continuation of US aid to an Asfura victory. 

Writing on his Truth Social platform on Friday, he said: “If he [Asfura] doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad.” 

This is not the first time Trump has issued such a warning. 

During Argentina’s recent mid-term elections, Trump threatened to cut assistance to Buenos Aires if the party of right-wing president Javier Milei lost. Milei’s party ultimately won.

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