UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a controversial pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of serious drug trafficking crimes. This shocking decision comes as Hernández was serving a 45-year sentence for his role in one of the largest drug-trafficking operations in history.
Officials at the White House confirmed the pardon, which has ignited outrage among critics who argue it undermines the administration’s ongoing military campaign against drug trafficking, particularly from Venezuela. Critics, including Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, have called the move “shocking,” emphasizing that Hernández was a leader of a notorious criminal enterprise.
Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Kaine said, “He was the leader of one of the largest criminal enterprises that has ever been subject to a conviction in U.S. courts, and less than one year into his sentence, President Trump is pardoning him.” The senator’s comments reflect widespread concern about the implications of this decision, especially as the Trump administration continues to publicly combat drug trafficking.
Hernández served two terms as president of Honduras and was previously favored by the Trump administration. His time in office coincided with Trump’s first term, during which Hernández moved the Honduran embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Just last week, Trump hinted at the pardon, stating on social media, “CONGRATULATIONS TO JUAN ORLANDO HERNANDEZ ON YOUR UPCOMING PARDON… MAKE HONDURAS GREAT AGAIN!”
The former president was convicted of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and had been appealing his conviction while incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in West Virginia. Judge P. Kevin Castel, who oversaw the case, described Hernández as a “two-faced politician hungry for power.” Former Attorney General Merrick Garland accused Hernández of transforming Honduras into a “narco-state” where violent traffickers operated with impunity.
Trump’s decision to grant clemency to Hernández has raised eyebrows, especially given the former president’s history of pardoning political allies and controversial figures. This pattern has led to accusations of a “pay-to-play” scheme, with pardons often granted to loyalists and individuals with connections to Trump’s interests, including those attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
As this story develops, many are left questioning the message being sent by the Trump administration regarding drug trafficking and criminal justice. With drug-related violence continuing to plague Central America, the long-term implications of this pardon could resonate beyond U.S. borders, affecting international relations and regional stability.
As reactions pour in from political leaders and the public, it is clear this situation is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent and developing story.
