POLITICS

Trump Pardons Former Honduran President Days Before Vote

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Left 14%

Center 71%

Rigt 14%

Sources: 7

West Palm Beach, Fla., President Donald Trump announced he will pardon Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who U.S. jurors convicted in 2024 of conspiring to import cocaine and sentenced to 45 years. Trump posted the decision on social media and reiterated his endorsement of Nasry Asfura in Honduras’s upcoming election, warning he might withhold U.S. assistance if Asfura loses. Hernández was extradited to the United States after leaving office in 2022; prosecutors alleged he enabled roughly 400 tons of cocaine shipments. The administration has also cited recent anti-narcotics strikes in the region. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

2014–2022: Juan Orlando Hernández serves as President of Honduras.
2022: Hernández is removed from power and extradited to the United States to face charges.
2024: A U.S. jury convicts Hernández of conspiring to import cocaine; he receives a 45-year sentence.
November 2025: Trump publicly endorses Nasry Asfura ahead of Honduras’s presidential election.
29th November 2025: President Trump announces a pardon for Hernández and warns of withholding U.S. aid if Asfura loses.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

President Donald Trump's political allies and Nasry Asfura's campaign benefited politically from the pardon announcement, which foregrounded U.S. support and may boost right-wing momentum ahead of Honduras's presidential vote.

Who Suffered

Honduran democratic institutions, opposition candidates, and U.S.-Honduras diplomatic credibility suffered potential harm due to a high-profile pardon seen as external interference and the threat to condition aid on electoral outcomes.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... Presidential pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández was announced Nov. 29; U.S. jury convicted him in 2024 for conspiring to import cocaine and sentenced him to 45 years. Trump tied pardon to support for Nasry Asfura and warned of withholding aid if Asfura loses abroad.

Media Bias