Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in March 2024 on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Hernandez is currently serving a 45-year sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia. Trump justified his decision through social media, stating that Hernandez had been “treated very harshly and unfairly,” according to “many people that I greatly respect.”
Hernandez served two terms as the leader of Honduras, a Central American nation with a population of approximately 10 million. His conviction came after a U.S. court found him guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Following the announcement of the pardon, Hernandez’s lawyer, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude, declaring that “a great injustice has been righted.” Stabile emphasized hopes for a renewed partnership between the United States and Honduras.
Trump’s post regarding the pardon was part of a broader message endorsing Nasry “Tito” Asfura for the presidency of Honduras. Trump stated that if Asfura wins the upcoming election, the United States would support the country. Conversely, he warned that if Asfura loses, “the United States will not be throwing good money after bad,” indicating the potential consequences of electing a leader who could lead the country to ruin.
Asfura, aged 67, is making his second attempt at the presidency under the conservative National Party. He previously served as the mayor of Tegucigalpa and has committed to addressing Honduras’ infrastructure challenges. Despite his ambitions, Asfura has faced accusations of embezzling public funds, which he denies.
In addition to Asfura, the election features two other prominent candidates: Rixi Moncada, a former finance and defense secretary running for the incumbent socialist Libre Party, and Salvador Nasralla, a former television personality making his fourth presidential bid as the Liberal Party candidate. Trump has framed the upcoming election as a critical test for democracy in Honduras, suggesting that a loss for Asfura could lead the nation down a path similar to that of Venezuela under its leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Trump’s administration has aimed to exert pressure on Maduro, including ordering military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the Caribbean, featuring advanced warships like the USS Gerald R. Ford. While Trump has not ruled out potential military or covert actions against Venezuela, he has also indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with Maduro.
Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro, who has adopted a leftist stance, has maintained a pragmatic approach toward the U.S. administration. Castro has welcomed visits from U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and General Laura Richardson, the former commander of U.S. Southern Command. Under her leadership, Honduras has facilitated the deportation of its citizens from the U.S. and served as a transit point for deported Venezuelans.
On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Argentine President Javier Milei, a supporter of Trump, voiced his backing for Asfura, calling him the candidate representing opposition to leftist governance in Honduras. Milei’s endorsement reflects a growing regional alignment among leaders who share similar political views.
As the election approaches, the political landscape in Honduras remains dynamic, with Trump’s actions and statements likely to have significant implications for U.S.-Honduran relations and the future direction of the Central American nation.
