Trump to pardon Honduras’ former leader Hernández, serving time for narcotrafficking

The announcement, made just two days before Honduras goes to the polls, immediately sent shockwaves through the country. In his statement, Trump insisted that Hernández had been “treated very harshly and unfairly,” framing the pardon as a corrective measure rather than a political intervention.

Hernández, once a close U.S. ally, was found guilty in a New York federal court in 2024 for facilitating the movement of cocaine into the United States during his presidency. His conviction marked one of the most significant cases in Washington’s anti-narcotics efforts in Central America. By signalling that he will overturn that judgement, Trump has reopened a debate about accountability, foreign policy and the power of presidential pardons.

The timing has stirred particular controversy in Honduras, where voters are preparing for a tightly contested presidential election. Trump has openly backed conservative candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, and critics argue that announcing the pardon so close to the vote could influence the outcome. The move has therefore raised broader questions about external pressure on domestic politics, especially in a country already grappling with corruption, security concerns and deep political divisions.