Trump states he will pardon former Honduras leader prior to presidential election

Washington, DC U.S. President Donald Trump has declared he intends to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, just days before the Central American nation holds a tightly contested presidential election. The statement was made on Friday, two days prior to Hondurass vote, where Trump has voiced support for conservative National Party candidate Nasry Tito Asfura.

Hernandez, who led Honduras from 2014 to 2022, was the last president from the National Party. Last year, he received a 45-year prison sentence in the United States after being extradited on drug trafficking charges. Trump, posting on Truth Social, described Hernandez as having been treated very harshly and unfairly, noting support from many people that I greatly respect.

Trump reiterated his backing for Asfura, who is contending with four rivals in a race overshadowed by scandals. No candidate has yet established a clear lead. Trump warned that an Asfura loss could disrupt U.S. aid and support for Honduras, a nation of roughly 11 million, similar to his previous remarks regarding Argentinas presidential election in October supporting Javier Milei.

Trump stated, If he doesnt win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.

Several right-wing figures, including Trump, have accused Rixi Moncada of the left-leaning LIBRE party and Salvador Nasralla of the centre-right Liberal Party of being influenced by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Both candidates have denied the claims. Trumps administration has simultaneously increased pressure on Maduro, deploying additional U.S. military assets to the region and considering possible operations on land.

Despite Trumps announcement, the proposed pardon raises questions given his administrations stated goal of combating drug cartels and preventing narcotics smuggling into the United States. His policies have included labeling multiple cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and targeting alleged smugglers in international waters. Human rights groups have criticized such actions as potential extrajudicial killings and violations of both U.S. and international law.

During Hernandezs trial, prosecutors alleged he collaborated with major drug cartels, including Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, to traffic more than 400 tonnes of cocaine to the U.S. Hernandez reportedly used millions in cartel bribes to advance politically. Former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland described Hernandezs presidency as running Honduras like a narco-state, allowing violent drug traffickers to operate with near impunity and causing widespread harm to both Hondurans and Americans.

Author: Sophia Brooks