Nasry Asfura, who received public backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump, was sworn in as president of Honduras after a contested, razor-thin victory. He pledged to streamline government, create jobs, tackle gang violence and invest in health and education. The low-key inauguration lacked visiting heads of state, and opponents continue to allege irregularities in the vote count. Asfura, a former Tegucigalpa mayor, is a member of the conservative National Party and inherits a country facing deep security and social challenges.
Nasry Asfura, Backed by Trump, Sworn In as Honduras President After Narrow, Contested Win
Honduran President Nasry Asfura speaks next to his wife, first lady Lissette del Cid, after his inauguration ceremony as they leave Congress in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Destephen)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Nasry Asfura, a businessman who received public backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump, was sworn in on Tuesday as president of Honduras and pledged to create jobs, curb violent crime and strengthen public services such as education and health care.
The 67-year-old leader said he will govern "with the full commitment required to deliver real solutions to every corner of our beloved Honduras," and outlined plans to streamline government, attract investment and boost infrastructure to connect municipalities more effectively.
Low-Key Inauguration
The inauguration was a modest ceremony held inside Congress, without visiting heads of state. Foreign delegations were present through diplomatic corps and international organizations, but no sitting presidents attended.
Contested Election
Asfura’s victory was clouded by controversy. Honduran authorities reported he won with 40.27% of the vote, narrowly ahead of longtime opposition figure Salvador Nasralla, who took 39.53% — a margin of under 1 percentage point. Opponents alleged irregularities as vote counts stretched over several weeks, and Nasralla continues to assert he is the legitimate winner.
Honduran President Nasry Asfura wears the presidential sash as he walks with his wife, first lady Lissette del Cid, after his inauguration ceremony as they leave Congress in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Destephen)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Policy Priorities
Asfura said he would "shrink the size of the state" to improve efficiency and redirect resources to vulnerable communities. He also vowed to "confront insecurity head-on" as gang violence remains a major challenge across the country, and promised investments in health care, education and job-creating infrastructure projects.
Background
Asfura served two terms as mayor of Tegucigalpa from 2014 to 2022 and previously led the Honduran Social Investment Fund under President Porfirio Lobo Sosa (2010–2014). This was his second successful presidential bid after he lost the 2021 race to Xiomara Castro of the leftist Libre party.
He belongs to the conservative National Party, the same party of former President Juan Orlando Hernández. Hernández was extradited to the United States after leaving office and has faced drug-trafficking charges, making him a polarizing figure in Honduran politics.
Regional Context
Observers say the contentious result in Honduras fits into a broader political shift in parts of Latin America toward conservative and right-leaning candidates. Analysts point to recent gains by right-wing figures in the region as part of this trend.
Key Quote: "We will govern with the full commitment required to deliver real solutions to every corner of our beloved Honduras," Asfura said at the inauguration.
As Honduras begins a new term under Asfura, attention will focus on whether his promises to reduce bureaucracy, tackle gang violence and spur economic growth translate into measurable improvements for the country's vulnerable communities.
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