Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States. Hernandez was convicted in 2024 on charges of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
The announcement comes just days before Honduras is scheduled to hold its presidential election. Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, stating that he would grant a “full and complete pardon” to Hernandez, claiming the former president was treated “harshly and unfairly” according to people he greatly respects.
In June 2024, a New York court sentenced Hernandez to 45 years in prison after he was found guilty of conspiracy to import hundreds of tons of narcotics into the United States, as well as other weapons-related crimes. The sentence also included an $8 million fine. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Hernandez, who is 55 years old.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Hernandez’s prominent role in Honduran politics and the serious nature of the charges against him.
In a related matter, Trump reiterated his support for Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Asfura of the conservative National Party. In his Truth Social post, Trump stated that “if he doesn’t win, the United States will not be giving much money.” Trump had previously endorsed Asfura, who belongs to the same party as Hernandez, in the upcoming Honduran presidential election.
Honduras remains one of the most violent countries in Latin America, largely due to the presence of powerful gangs that control drug trafficking and organized crime. The upcoming election is seen as a critical juncture for the country’s future.
