Trump to Pardon Ex-Honduras President Convicted of Drug Trafficking

Donald Trump has announced that he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted of drug trafficking charges in a US court and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Trump claimed that Hernández was 'treated very harshly and unfairly.' Hernández was found guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the US and possessing machine guns. Trump also endorsed conservative presidential candidate Nasry 'Tito' Asfura in Honduras' general election, criticizing his opponents, Rixi Moncada and Salvador Nasralla. The US has been involved in counter-narcotics operations in the region, including strikes on vessels suspected of smuggling, which have resulted in over 80 deaths. The legality of these operations has been questioned by legal experts.

Former US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he intends to grant a full pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking offenses. Hernández was convicted of conspiring with drug cartels and accepting bribes to fuel his rise in Honduran politics. Trump's announcement comes as his administration has been focusing on counter-drug operations in the Caribbean. Hernández's attorney welcomed the news, stating that his client was a victim of 'lawfare' and a political prosecution. Trump also used the opportunity to endorse Honduran conservative National Party presidential candidate Nasry 'Tito' Asfura, tying US support to the outcome of the election.

The article reports on the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro brandished a sword at a rally, warning supporters to prepare for confrontation with 'imperialist aggression.' Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that the US will soon begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land, expanding its efforts from sea interdiction. Maduro framed the situation as a struggle against external threats, urging Venezuelans to mobilize against foreign aggression. Trump stated that maritime operations have already stopped an estimated 85% of drugs arriving by sea and that land operations will be easier. The tensions have risen following months of US maritime strikes that targeted vessels used by drug traffickers, resulting in over 80 deaths since September.

Former US President Donald Trump plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 45 years in prison in 2024. Trump announced his decision on social media, stating that Hernandez was 'treated very harshly and unfairly.' Hernandez's family expressed gratitude, and his lawyers welcomed the decision. Trump also backed Nasry 'Tito' Asfura, a conservative candidate in Honduras' upcoming presidential election, and warned that the US would not support the country if Asfura loses. The article discusses the implications of Trump's pardon and his involvement in Honduran politics.

President Trump announced that he would grant a full pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras who was convicted of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. The pardon was met with shock and criticism from authorities in the US and Honduras, who had built a major case against Hernández and accused him of taking bribes from drug traffickers. Trump's decision appears to contradict his administration's efforts to combat drug trafficking, including a campaign to intercept small boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison in March 2024, but his family and allies have claimed that his conviction was a result of political persecution by the Biden administration. Trump has also endorsed a candidate in Honduras's upcoming election, Nasry Asfura, who is a member of the same National Party as Hernández.

Donald Trump has announced that he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who is serving a 45-year prison sentence in the US for drug trafficking and weapons charges. Hernández was convicted in 2024 of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect cocaine shipments to the US. Trump's decision comes as he casts himself as tough on combating drug problems, despite his administration's previous support for Hernández. The pardon is part of a broader message from Trump backing Tito Asfura for Honduras' presidency in upcoming elections. Honduras is set to vote on Sunday, with concerns raised about the electoral process by the Organization of American States and Washington.