President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that he intends to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in March 2024 on drug trafficking and weapons charges, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. Trump stated on social media that Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly,” a sentiment he claims is echoed by many he respects.
Hernandez, who led Honduras for two terms, was found guilty by a U.S. court for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Since his conviction, he has been appealing the verdict while serving his sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia. His attorney, Renato C. Stabile, expressed appreciation for the president’s decision, stating, “A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras.”
Trump’s announcement comes as part of his broader support for Nasry “Tito” Asfura, a candidate in the upcoming Honduran presidential election. In a recent post, Trump emphasized U.S. backing for Honduras under Asfura’s leadership, while cautioning that a loss for Asfura would lead the U.S. to reconsider its financial support, remarking, “A wrong leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country.”
Asfura, 67, is making his second attempt to ascend to the presidency as a member of the conservative National Party. He previously served as mayor of Tegucigalpa and has committed to addressing the country’s infrastructure needs. Despite his political aspirations, Asfura has faced allegations of embezzling public funds, which he denies.
In addition to Asfura, other candidates in the race include Rixi Moncada, a former finance and defense secretary representing the incumbent democratic socialist Libre party, and Salvador Nasralla, a former television personality running for the Liberal Party in his fourth presidential bid. The political climate in Honduras is tense, with Trump framing the election as a test for democracy. He has warned that a loss for Asfura could result in Honduras following Venezuela’s path under the influence of its leader, Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean to counteract drug trafficking, including deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier. Trump has not dismissed the possibility of military or covert action against Venezuela, although he has indicated openness to dialogue with Maduro.
Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro, who has adopted a leftist approach, has maintained a pragmatic relationship with the U.S. administration. She has welcomed visits from U.S. officials, including Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, and Laura Richardson, a general in the U.S. Army.
On the international stage, Argentine President Javier Milei has also rallied behind Asfura, labeling him as the candidate who opposes the “leftist tyrants” responsible for Honduras’ struggles.
As the election approaches, the potential pardon of Hernandez and the support for Asfura highlight the intricate relationship between the U.S. and Honduras, as well as the broader implications for democracy and governance in the region.
