Fri Dec 26 18:48:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:

The article reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Nasry Asfura, the Honduran president-elect endorsed by former President Donald Trump, on his contested election victory. Rubio thanked Asfura for his commitment to U.S. strategic objectives, including security cooperation and economic ties. The election was marked by allegations of fraud from rival candidates Salvador Nasralla and Rixi Moncada. Nasralla criticized Trump’s support for Asfura and called for a full recount. The article highlights Honduras’ history of contested elections and Trump’s controversial pardon of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Asfura’s pro-Israel stance, aligning with Trump and other right-wing leaders, is also noted.

Here’s the news article:

U.S. Praises Honduran President-Elect Amid Contested Election

Washington D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Nasry Asfura on his victory in the Honduran presidential election, despite ongoing disputes over the results. Asfura, who was backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was commended for his “advocacy of U.S. strategic objectives.”

In a statement released Friday, the State Department said Rubio and Asfura discussed collaboration on trade and security during a phone call. Rubio specifically thanked Asfura for his commitment to advancing bilateral and regional security cooperation, as well as strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and Honduras.

Asfura, representing the National Party, claimed a narrow victory in the November 30 election, defeating Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party. However, Nasralla and Rixi Moncada of the LIBRE Party have both disputed the results, alleging fraud and improprieties. Nasralla directly criticized Trump’s endorsement of Asfura, demanding a full recount of the votes.

The election was held against a backdrop of political tension in Honduras, which has a history of contested elections following a U.S.-backed coup in 2009. Prior to the election, Trump issued a controversial pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking-related crimes in the U.S.

Asfura, the former mayor of Tegucigalpa, identifies with right-wing leaders in the Americas and his National Party is known for its pro-Israel stance.

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