UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a “full and complete” pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, currently serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking. This shocking development comes as Hernández was convicted of aiding the shipment of over 400 tons of cocaine into America, a bold move that raises questions about U.S. foreign policy in the region.
In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump stated, “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.” The announcement challenges the administration’s tough stance against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is also accused of drug-related offenses.
Trump’s support for Hernández, who led Honduras for over a decade, comes just days before a tightly contested election in Honduras, where the Trump-endorsed candidate, Tito Asfura, faces fierce competition. The political climate is tense with allegations of fraud and foreign interference ahead of the Sunday vote.
Hernández was convicted in March, following a two-week trial where U.S. prosecutors revealed he accepted millions in bribes from drug traffickers, including infamous figures like Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel. Despite maintaining his innocence, the judge described Hernández as a “two-faced politician hungry for power,” imposing an $8 million fine along with the lengthy prison term.
The timing of Trump’s pardon raises serious implications for U.S. credibility in combating drug trafficking. Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations at the Drug Enforcement Administration, commented, “This action would be nothing short of catastrophic and would destroy the credibility of the U.S. in the international community.” The administration previously offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture, further complicating U.S. relations in Latin America.
As the election looms, the atmosphere in Honduras is charged. Asfura’s campaign is under scrutiny, with observers noting a volatile environment exacerbated by accusations of external political manipulation. The outcome of this election could significantly affect U.S.-Honduran relations and future policies regarding drug trafficking.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. The repercussions of Trump’s pardon and the Honduran election will likely resonate throughout the region.
