Trump Signals Potential Pardon for Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering a pardon for Juan Orlando Hernandez, the ex-president of Honduras convicted of drug trafficking and corruption in the United States, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The potential pardon comes as Trump seeks to solidify support among Latin American leaders and as Hernandez maintains his innocence,claiming he was targeted by drug cartels.
The move,revealed amid Honduras’s recent political shifts and increasing U.S. engagement in the region, raises questions about the future of U.S. anti-drug efforts and the Biden governance’s policy toward Central America. Hernandez’s conviction in March 2024 marked a meaningful victory for U.S. prosecutors who alleged he received millions in bribes from drug cartels in exchange for protecting their operations. A pardon would overturn that conviction and potentially embolden corrupt actors throughout Latin America, while also signaling a departure from the current administration’s focus on accountability.
trump’s consideration of a pardon for Hernandez is reportedly linked to lobbying efforts by individuals close to the former Honduran president and aligns with a broader pattern of Trump intervening in legal cases involving allies. The former president has publicly expressed sympathy for Hernandez, suggesting he was unfairly targeted.
The potential pardon has drawn criticism from Democrats and anti-corruption advocates, who argue it would undermine the rule of law and send a dangerous message to those involved in transnational crime. “A pardon would be a slap in the face to the Honduran people who have long suffered from corruption and violence,” said a statement released by the advocacy group, Transparency International.
Recent political developments in Honduras, including the pragmatic approach of current President Xiomara Castro toward the U.S., may also be influencing the situation. while Castro initially adopted a leftist stance, she has maintained cooperation with the U.S. on issues like immigration and security, receiving visits from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson. Honduras has also continued to receive deported citizens from the U.S. and has served as a transit point for Venezuelan deportees.
Adding another layer to the regional dynamics, Argentine President Javier Milei, a vocal supporter of Trump, publicly endorsed Hernandez’s political ally, Tito Asfura, in a recent Honduran election, stating Asfura “best represents the opposition to the leftist tyrants who have destroyed Honduras.”
It remains unclear whether Trump will ultimately grant Hernandez a pardon, but the possibility underscores the former president’s willingness to challenge established norms and his continued influence on both U.S. policy and Latin American politics. The case is being closely watched by the Biden administration, which has not yet commented on the potential pardon.
