WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in 2024 on drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Trump cited that Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly,” according to respected sources.
Hernandez, who was convicted in U.S. court in March 2023 for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, had served two terms as the leader of Honduras, a Central American nation of about 10 million people. While serving time at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia, he has been appealing his conviction.
Following Trump’s announcement, Hernandez’s family gathered outside their home in Tegucigalpa, where they kneeled in prayer, expressing gratitude for the prospect of his return after nearly four years apart. This home is also the same place where Honduran authorities arrested him in 2022, following his term in office, when he was extradited to the U.S. for trial.
Hernandez’s wife expressed deep emotion upon receiving the news of his potential pardon, conveying her appreciation to Trump for correcting what she views as a significant injustice orchestrated by drug traffickers and the “radical left.”
Renato C. Stabile, one of Hernandez’s lawyers, voiced gratitude for Trump’s actions, stating, “A great injustice has been righted,” while expressing optimism for the future relationship between the United States and Honduras.
Trump’s announcement came amid his endorsement of Nasry “Tito” Asfura in the upcoming Honduran presidential election, emphasizing U.S. support if Asfura wins. However, he warned that the U.S. would not invest further in Honduras if a “wrong leader” is elected, indicating that the country could suffer catastrophic consequences.
Asfura, who has previously served as mayor of Tegucigalpa, is running for president for the second time under the conservative National Party. He has pledges to address Honduras’ infrastructure needs but faces allegations of embezzlement, which he denies. Other candidates include Rixi Moncada from the Libre party and Salvador Nasralla from the Liberal Party, positioning this election as a significant moment for Honduras’ democratic future.
The political landscape in Honduras is intertwined with the U.S. administration, as outgoing President Xiomara Castro, despite her leftist lean, has maintained cooperative relations with the U.S. and received key visits from U.S. officials. This backdrop highlights the intricate dynamics between U.S. foreign policy and the future leadership of Honduras.
As the election draws near, the atmosphere remains charged with anticipation, both within Honduras and in Washington, as leaders and citizens alike watch for the potential implications of the results on national stability and international relations.