President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he plans to grant a full pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in drug trafficking.
“I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernández who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Hernández’s Conviction
Hernández, who led Honduras for eight years, was convicted in June 2024 for over a decade of collaboration with drug trafficking networks responsible for smuggling cocaine into the United States, according to The Associated Press.
He was arrested by authorities in February 2022, as reported by Reuters. His sentencing drew international attention, highlighting U.S. efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in Central America and the complex ties between political leadership and organized crime in the region.
Trump to Pardon Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández Amid Upcoming Election
Trump’s announcement comes just days before Honduras holds its presidential election, scheduled for Sunday. He used the opportunity to endorse National Party candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, noting the United States’ confidence in his policies and leadership.
“If Tito Asfura wins for President of Honduras, because the United States has so much confidence in him, his policies, and what he will do for the great people of Honduras, we will be very supportive,” Trump said.
At the same time, he cautioned against the consequences of a different outcome. “If he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is,” Trump added.
Recent opinion polls suggest a highly competitive race, with three candidates statistically tied, according to Reuters.
Implications of the Pardon
The planned pardon underscores the ongoing influence of former President Trump in international political affairs and raises questions about U.S. involvement in Latin American politics.
Hernández’s conviction was a major milestone in U.S. anti-narcotics efforts, and the pardon could generate debate over U.S. judicial and foreign policy priorities.
Analysts note that the move may also affect U.S.-Honduras relations and the credibility of anti-corruption campaigns in the region.
By combining judicial, political, and diplomatic dimensions, Trump’s decision is likely to reverberate across both Honduras and U.S. policy circles, especially as the country prepares for a closely contested election.
Source: The Hill