What are the accusations against Honduras ex-president and why did Trump pardon him?

Juan Orlando Hernndez, once Honduras president, has been released from US custody after receiving a pardon from former US President Donald Trump. Hernndez, who had been sentenced to 45 years in prison, was previously identified as a central figure in a drug-trafficking network that smuggled more than 400 tonnes of cocaine into the United States. Trump described Hernndez as a victim of political persecution, asserting he had been treated unjustly.

Political Career and Allegations

Hernndez first sought the presidency in 2013 representing the conservative National Party, and ran again in 2017 amid contested elections and widespread protests. During his tenure, he maintained strong ties with the US government, receiving praise from former President Barack Obama regarding migrant-children policies, and support from Trump for the disputed 2017 election outcome.

In 2019, US authorities accused Hernndez of accepting a $1 million bribe from drug lord Joaqun El Chapo Guzmn during his initial presidential campaign to protect drug trafficking routes through Honduras. These accusations emerged while investigating his brother, Juan Antonio Tony Hernndez, who was arrested in Miami in 2018 on cocaine trafficking charges and later sentenced to life in prison.

Extradition and Trial

After leaving office in 2022, Hernndez was arrested, extradited to the US, and faced federal drug-trafficking and weapons charges. Prosecutors argued he had led an 18-year-long operation funneling over 400 tonnes of cocaine into the US, providing billions of individual doses. He was accused of using his political office to shield armed drug traffickers in exchange for millions to support his campaigns. State agencies, including the Honduran National Police, allegedly assisted in moving cocaine to the US, while traffickers linked to Hernndez engaged in violent acts to expand their operations.

During his trial in 2024, Hernndez claimed he was targeted politically, stating that investigators had failed to uncover the full truth. His conviction prompted widespread attention given the scale of the offenses.

Trumps Pardon and Reactions

On 28 November, Trump announced the pardon via Truth Social, citing respected sources who considered Hernndezs prosecution unfair. Trump also endorsed Tito Asfura, another National Party candidate, in Honduras closely contested presidential election, which required a hand recount. Experts expressed surprise at the pardon due to the severity of Hernndezs crimes and the apparent conflict with Trumps declared anti-drug policies, which included naval strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the pardon, claiming the case had been influenced by political motives under the Biden administration. Reports indicated Hernndez had written a letter to Trump requesting a case review, praising their prior working relationship and framing his prosecution as politically driven. Lobbyist Roger Stone advised that pardoning Hernndez could boost the National Partys electoral chances in Honduras.

Implications

Analysts noted the pardon reflected Trumps willingness to challenge decisions made during Bidens presidency, despite Hernndez having been convicted after an independent investigation by the US Justice Department. The case highlights tensions in US foreign policy, domestic politics, and ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Central America.

Author: Sophia Brooks