Trump plans ‘full and complete pardon’ for former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking
In a surprising political move, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to issue a “full and complete pardon” to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking offenses. This announcement comes just days before Hondurans head to the polls, where they will elect a new president to govern from 2026 to 2030. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his belief that Hernández had been “treated very harshly and unfairly” and indicated that this pardon would be a step toward supporting the National Party candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura. Trump emphasized that the United States would be “very supportive” of Asfura’s presidency, citing confidence in his policies and vision for Honduras.
Asfura, who previously served as the mayor of Tegucigalpa, is running against Rixi Moncada of the ruling party and Salvador Nasralla from the Liberal Party. Trump criticized Moncada for idolizing Fidel Castro and accused Nasralla of being a “borderline Communist” who is attempting to split the vote against Asfura, whom he believes represents the true interests of the Honduran people. With recent polls showing Asfura in a tight race with Moncada and Nasralla, the election results could significantly impact the political landscape in Honduras. Trump’s endorsement of Asfura and the potential pardon for Hernández could influence voter sentiment and the future direction of U.S.-Honduras relations, particularly as the country grapples with issues related to governance, drug trafficking, and economic stability.
The timing of Trump’s announcement is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with the electoral campaign and reflects a broader strategy to strengthen ties with potential allies in Central America. By positioning himself as a supporter of Asfura and advocating for Hernández’s pardon, Trump aims to solidify U.S. influence in the region, especially in the face of perceived threats from leftist candidates like Moncada and Nasralla. The election on Sunday will be crucial, not only for Honduras but also for U.S. foreign policy in Central America, as the outcome could either reinforce or challenge the current political dynamics shaped by the Biden administration and its approach to issues like immigration and drug trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSheJpif328
President Trump announced Friday he intends to issue a “full and complete pardon” to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, while simultaneously reaffirming his support for
presidential candidate
Nasry “Tito” Asfura just days before Hondurans head to the polls.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Hernández. who was sentenced in New York last year to 45 years in prison for conspiring with drug traffickers to move over 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S., was “treated very harshly and unfairly.”
“I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly,” Trump said. “This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura
wins the Election
, when Honduras will be on its way to Great Political and Financial Success.”
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Hernández was convicted in March 2024 on charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. and two related weapons offenses after a two-week trial, according to The Associated Press.
Trump also doubled down on his backing of Asfura, the National Party candidate and former mayor of Tegucigalpa, saying the U.S. would be “very supportive” if he wins because Washington has “so much confidence in him, his policies and what he will do for the great people of Honduras.”
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In a separate Truth Social post earlier Friday, Trump said he and Asfura “can work together to fight the narcocommunists and
bring needed aid
to the people of Honduras.”
He also sharply criticized Asfura’s rivals, including ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada and TV host Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party.
“His chief opponent is Rixi Moncada, who says
Fidel Castro is her idol
,” Trump said. “Normally, the smart people of Honduras, would reject her, and elect Tito Asfura, but the Communists are trying to trick the people by running a third Candidate, Salvador Nasralla.
“Nasralla is no friend of Freedom. A borderline Communist, he helped Xiomara Castro by running as her Vice President. He won, and helped Castro win. Then he resigned, and is now pretending to be an anti-Communist only for the purposes of splitting Asfura’s vote. The people of Honduras must not be tricked again.”
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Hondurans vote Sunday, and polls show Asfura virtually tied with Moncada and Nasralla, according to Reuters.
The winner will govern from 2026 to 2030.
The Central American country has been led since 2022 by
President Xiomara Castro
, the country’s first female president.
