Saturday, March 29, 2025
Former Honduras President Released from New York Prison After Trump Grants Pardon
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been released from a U.S. federal prison in New York after receiving an official pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. Hernández had been serving a 45-year prison sentence following his conviction on charges of drug trafficking and weapons-related offenses. He was also ordered to pay an $8 million fine at the time of his sentencing.
According to Reuters, Trump’s pardon cleared the way for Hernández’s immediate release, a decision that has sparked strong political reactions in Washington and across Latin America. The former Honduran leader was extradited to the United States in 2022 and later found guilty of using his political power to support large-scale cocaine trafficking operations that smuggled tons of drugs into the U.S.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue that Hernández’s release undermines ongoing U.S. efforts to combat international narcotics networks. Many lawmakers say it sends a dangerous message that high-profile corruption cases can be erased through political favoritism.
Trump, however, defended his move while speaking to reporters at the White House. He claimed—without presenting evidence—that Hernández had been unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. Trump added that he issued the pardon in response to what he described as “requests from the people of Honduras.”
Foreign policy experts warn that the decision could weaken U.S. credibility in Latin America, particularly in nations struggling with corruption, organized crime, and drug cartels. Critics say the pardon may embolden individuals involved in international drug trafficking and reduce the deterrent effect of U.S. anti-narcotics operations that have taken decades to establish.
Hernández’s release is expected to generate significant diplomatic debate in the coming days, especially as Honduras navigates its own internal political landscape ahead of national elections.
