URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced plans for a “full and complete” pardon for Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, currently serving a 45-year sentence in a U.S. prison for drug trafficking. This controversial decision comes as the U.S. intensifies military operations in the Caribbean against another leader, Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, accused of similar drug-related offenses.
Trump’s announcement, made via a post on Truth Social, has raised eyebrows as it directly contrasts with his administration’s efforts to oust Maduro, who is linked to significant drug trafficking operations. In his post, Trump stated, “I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernández who has been treated very harshly and unfairly.”
The pardon comes just days before the crucial presidential elections in Honduras, where Trump also endorsed Tito Asfura, the candidate from Hernández’s right-wing National Party. Trump expressed confidence in Asfura’s potential leadership, warning that a poor leadership choice could lead to “catastrophic results” for the country.
Hernández was convicted in March 2023 by a Manhattan jury, accused of accepting millions in bribes to facilitate the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. Testimonies during his trial implicated him in providing protection to notorious drug lords, including Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the infamous co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzmán is currently serving a life sentence in the U.S. for similar crimes.
The implications of Trump’s pardon are significant. Experts warn it could undermine U.S. credibility in international drug trafficking investigations. Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations at the Drug Enforcement Administration, stated, “This action would be nothing short of catastrophic and would destroy the credibility of the U.S. in the international community.”
The upcoming election in Honduras is tense, with allegations of fraud and foreign influence complicating the political landscape. Voter sentiment is high, and Asfura is locked in a tight race against candidates from the ruling left-wing Libre party and a centrist contender.
As this story develops, the international community is watching closely, questioning the ramifications of Trump’s actions on U.S.-Latin America relations and drug enforcement policies. With Trump’s announcement coinciding with the election, all eyes are on Honduras as the political atmosphere continues to heat up.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story.
