Trump Announces Pardon for Honduran Ex-President Serving 45 Years
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Former President Juan Orlando Hernández convicted of drug trafficking will receive full pardon as Trump backs conservative candidate in Honduras election
President Donald Trump announced Friday he will grant a "full and complete pardon" to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year federal prison sentence for drug trafficking offenses. Hernández, who led Honduras from 2014 to 2022, was convicted of conspiring with drug cartels to move over 400 tons of cocaine through Honduras to the United States, receiving millions in bribes to fuel his political career. The announcement comes as Trump strongly endorsed conservative presidential candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura ahead of Honduras' Sunday elections, warning that U.S. support depends on the election outcome. Hernández's attorney called the conviction "lawfare and a political prosecution," while prosecutors had accused him of using executive power to protect drug traffickers in his inner circle.
Key Facts
- • Hernández serving 45-year sentence plus $8 million fine for drug trafficking
- • Convicted of helping move 400+ tons of cocaine through Honduras to U.S.
- • Served as Honduras president from 2014 to 2022
- • Trump tied pardon announcement to endorsement of conservative candidate before Sunday election
- • Attorney claims Hernández was victim of political prosecution