Trump's Shocking Ultimatum: What Will Happen If Honduras Changes Election Results?

In a surprising intervention in Honduran politics, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding the ongoing presidential election in the country. On Monday, December 1, 2025, he took to Truth Social to express his concerns about potential manipulation of the election results, stating, "If they do, there will be hell to pay!" Trump’s comments come amidst a highly contentious race featuring two conservative candidates, Nasry Asfura of the National Party and Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, both of whom are closely vying for the presidency.

As of the latest count, the National Electoral Council reported that 57% of the votes had been tallied, indicating a razor-thin race between Asfura and Nasralla, with Asfura leading by only a few hundred votes. Rixi Moncada, the candidate from the democratic socialist LIBRE party, trailed significantly, approximately 20 percentage points behind. In his post, Trump emphasized the importance of counting every vote, asserting, "Hundreds of thousands of Hondurans must have their votes counted. Democracy must prevail!"

These developments in Honduras are significant, not only for the nation but also for U.S.-Honduran relations. Trump's remarks reflect his ongoing interest in Central American politics, particularly as he has previously endorsed Asfura, describing him as the "only Honduran candidate his administration would work with." This endorsement comes at a time when Honduran voters are looking for a change, with the election results potentially determining whether the country continues under the rule of the LIBRE party or shifts back to conservative leadership.

Adding to the contentious atmosphere is Trump's announcement that he plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking. This decision has stirred discussions about the influence of U.S. politics on Honduras and raises questions about the implications of such endorsements and pardons for the country's political future.

The Honduran electoral process has faced significant scrutiny, especially as parts of the electoral council's online reporting system experienced issues, leaving many voters anxious about the transparency and fairness of the counting process. Trump’s statements may put additional pressure on the electoral authorities to ensure a transparent and accurate vote count, a concern echoed by many observers who fear that any alteration of the results could lead to unrest.

The implications of this election extend far beyond the borders of Honduras. It could reshape the dynamics of U.S.-Latin American relations, especially as Trump’s administration had previously taken a hardline stance against what he termed "narco-communists" in the region. The outcome of this election might determine whether the U.S. continues to align itself with certain factions in Honduras or seeks a more collaborative approach with a new government.

As the counting continues, both Asfura and Nasralla are refraining from declaring victory, a cautious approach reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the election. With Trump’s intervention now drawing international attention, the eyes of the world remain on Honduras as it navigates this critical juncture in its democratic process.