Trump Announces Pardon for Former Honduran President Hernández Amid Upcoming Honduran Elections

President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted in 2024 on drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Trump stated on social media that, according to respected individuals, Hernández was "treated very harshly and unfairly."

Hernández, who served two terms as Honduras' leader, is currently appealing his conviction while incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia. His attorney, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude for Trump's decision, stating, "A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras."

In the same social media post, Trump endorsed Nasry "Tito" Asfura, the conservative National Party's candidate in Honduras' upcoming presidential election. Trump indicated that U.S. support for Honduras would be contingent on Asfura's victory, warning that if Asfura loses, "the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is."

Asfura, 67, a former mayor of Tegucigalpa, is making his second bid for the presidency. He faces competition from Rixi Moncada of the ruling Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) party and Salvador Nasralla of the centrist Liberal Party. The election is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025.

The upcoming election has attracted international attention, with concerns about potential electoral fraud and political instability. The Organization of American States and the U.S. State Department are closely monitoring the situation.