Trump Vows to Pardon Former Honduran president Hernandez
TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, should he be re-elected in November. The pledge came as Trump voiced support for Honduran opposition candidate Tito Asfura ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Hernández, who served as Honduras’ president from 2014 to 2022, was arrested in the United States in 2022 and convicted in March 2024 on charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he fought against drug cartels during his presidency. Trump’s offer of a pardon represents a significant intervention in Honduran politics and a potential reversal of the U.S. legal proceedings against Hernández.
The move underscores Trump’s continued focus on Latin American policy and his willingness to challenge established diplomatic and legal norms. It also comes amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, ostensibly to counter drug trafficking, including the deployment of the Navy’s moast advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. While Trump has not ruled out further action against Venezuela regarding alleged drug trafficking, he has also indicated openness to dialog with President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump’s support for Asfura, a candidate positioning himself against leftist political forces in Honduras, was publicly voiced on social media. Argentine President Javier Milei, a self-described admirer of Trump, also expressed support for Asfura, stating he represents opposition to “leftist tyrants” in Honduras.
The current honduran President, Xiomara Castro, has maintained a pragmatic relationship with the U.S.management despite her leftist leanings, continuing extradition treaties and military cooperation. Honduras has also been involved in the deportation of its citizens from the U.S. and has served as a transit point for deported Venezuelans.