President Donald Trump declared on Friday that he will pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in March 2024 of drug trafficking and weapons charges. Hernandez had been sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Trump justified his decision via social media, stating that Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly” according to many respected individuals.
Hernandez, who ruled Honduras for two terms, has been appealing his conviction while serving his sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia. His attorney, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude for Trump’s announcement, stating, “A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras.” Stabile emphasized the positive implications for Hernandez’s return to his home country.
In a broader context, Trump’s post also supported Tito Asfura, a candidate in the upcoming Honduran presidential election. Trump stated that the United States would back Asfura if he wins, but cautioned that a loss could lead to adverse consequences for Honduras. Trump’s message included a warning that “the United States will not be throwing good money after bad” if the wrong leader is elected.
Asfura, aged 67, is making his second attempt to become president under the conservative National Party. Previously the mayor of Tegucigalpa, he has promised to address Honduras’ pressing infrastructure needs. However, he also faces allegations of embezzling public funds, which he has denied.
Two other notable candidates are contesting the presidency: Rixi Moncada, who has served as both finance and defense secretary and is representing the incumbent democratic socialist Libre party, and Salvador Nasralla, a former television personality running for the Liberal Party.
Trump has framed the upcoming election as a critical test for democracy in Honduras. He suggested that a loss for Asfura could lead to a situation similar to Venezuela, under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro. In response to Maduro, Trump has increased military pressure in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the Navy’s advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.
Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro has maintained a leftist stance while engaging cooperatively with the U.S. administration. She has received visits from key U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and General Laura Richardson, former commander of U.S. Southern Command. Castro has also moderated her previous threats to end Honduras’ extradition treaty with the United States.
In recent developments, Argentine President Javier Milei, a supporter of Trump, also endorsed Asfura, asserting that he represents the best chance to oppose the “leftist tyrants” in Honduras. Milei’s endorsement reflects a growing regional alignment of conservative leaders as the election approaches.
As the political landscape in Honduras shifts, the implications of Trump’s pardon and support for Asfura could significantly influence the nation’s future direction.
