President Donald J. Trump of the United States recently branded Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela as countries "captured by narco-terrorists" in a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The president expressed his support for candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming presidential elections in Honduras, scheduled for November 30.
"Democracy is being tested in the beautiful country of Honduras during the upcoming elections. Will Maduro and his narco-terrorists seize another nation, as they have done with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela?" the president questioned.
Trump, known for his tough stance against leftist regimes in Latin America, warned of the potential spread of "narco-communism" in the region. He urged Honduran voters to "not be deceived by communists or false opponents."
In his message, Trump directly called out the regime of Nicolás Maduro, accusing it of "seizing countries through networks of political narco-terrorism." He compared its influence to that in Cuba and Nicaragua, which he claimed have already been "taken" by similar structures.
"Tito Asfura is the man fighting for democracy and standing up to Maduro. As a former successful mayor of Tegucigalpa, he brought clean water to millions and paved hundreds of kilometers of roads," Trump wrote.
"His main opponent, Rixi Moncada, claims Fidel Castro as her idol. The communists are attempting to deceive the public with a third candidate, Salvador Nasralla, who is no friend of freedom," he emphasized.
Analysts interpreted Trump's message as a geopolitical warning regarding the influence exerted by Havana, Caracas, and Managua on Central American electoral processes.
White House sources confirmed that the president intends to maintain a "zero-tolerance" policy toward governments or candidates associated with the Cuba-Venezuela-Nicaragua axis.
Trump reiterated that only Tito Asfura stands for freedom and democracy in Honduras, stating he could cooperate with him to "combat the narco-communists and provide aid to the Honduran people."
"I cannot work with Moncada or the communists. Nasralla is not a reliable partner for freedom. I hope the people of Honduras vote for democracy and elect Tito Asfura as president," the president concluded.
The reference to Cuba as a "nation captured by narco-terrorists" signifies a new level of rhetorical escalation from Trump towards the regime of Miguel Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro, whom Washington holds accountable for supporting criminal networks linked to drug trafficking and political repression in the region.
Trump has vowed to maintain maximum pressure on the Cuban regime, accusing it of "exporting communist ideology, manipulating elections, and sustaining allied dictatorships" in Latin America.
Geopolitical Implications of Trump's Statements
How does Trump's stance affect U.S.-Cuba relations?
Trump's harsh rhetoric and policies indicate a continuation of strained relations between the U.S. and Cuba, with increased economic and political pressure on the Cuban regime.
What is the significance of Trump supporting Tito Asfura in Honduras?
Trump's endorsement of Tito Asfura highlights his commitment to promoting leaders who oppose leftist regimes and narco-communism in Latin America.
Why are Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela labeled as "captured by narco-terrorists"?
Trump accuses these countries of being under the influence of leaders who use drug trafficking networks to maintain political control and spread their ideologies.