Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has announced his intention to grant a “full and complete pardon” to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras. Hernández was sentenced in the United States for drug trafficking and weapons-related offenses. This declaration came shortly before Honduras’ presidential elections, where Trump expressed support for Tito Asfura, a candidate from Honduras’ conservative National Party.
Hernández, who served as president from 2014 until his extradition in April 2022, was convicted of using his political office to facilitate the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. Court documents, as reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ), indicate that he collaborated with co-conspirators who were armed with firearms and grenade launchers. In return for his actions, Hernández allegedly received millions of dollars from some of the most notorious drug-trafficking organizations in the world. In 2024, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison, alongside a 60-month supervised release.
Trump’s announcement was made on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that “many people that I greatly respect” informed him that Hernández had been treated unfairly. He emphasized that such treatment should not be tolerated, especially with a potential change in leadership in Honduras following the elections.
“After Tito Asfura wins the election, when Honduras will be on its way to great political and financial success, this cannot be allowed to happen,” Trump wrote. He expressed confidence in Asfura’s political agenda, implying that U.S. support would wane if Asfura did not succeed.
Asfura faces a competitive election with candidates including Rixi Ramona Moncada Godoy and Salvador Nasralla. Trump’s endorsement of Asfura reflects a desire to reinforce U.S. interests in the region. He concluded his announcement by urging voters to support Asfura, stating, “VOTE FOR TITO ASFURA FOR PRESIDENT, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO JUAN ORLANDO HERNÁNDEZ ON YOUR UPCOMING PARDON. MAKE HONDURAS GREAT AGAIN!”
The political landscape in Honduras is poised for significant change, and the implications of Trump’s endorsement and potential pardon could resonate beyond the upcoming elections. As the situation develops, international observers will be closely monitoring the outcomes and their potential impact on U.S.-Honduras relations.
