What is Honduras ex-president accused of and why has Trump pardoned him?

BBC NewsTuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:34:13 PM
What is Honduras ex-president accused of and why has Trump pardoned him?
  • Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been pardoned by former U.S. President Donald Trump while serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the United States. This decision has raised significant concerns regarding the implications of such a pardon on U.S.-Honduras relations and the ongoing drug trafficking issues in the region.
  • The pardon of Hernández, who was previously accused of being a key figure in a drug trafficking scheme, has sparked outrage among critics who argue it undermines the U.S. government's stance on drug-related crimes and accountability.
  • This development highlights the contentious political landscape in Honduras, particularly as it coincides with a tense presidential election period, raising questions about potential election interference and the broader implications for governance and rule of law in the country.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Putin hosts Trump negotiators at Kremlin for 'constructive' Ukraine talks
PositiveWorld Affairs
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. negotiators, including representatives from the Trump administration, at the Kremlin for five hours of discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin officials characterized the talks as 'constructive,' although they acknowledged that substantial work remains to be done to reach a resolution.
Trump's pardon of a convicted trafficker undermines his drug war narrative
NegativeWorld Affairs
Former President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking and weapons charges. This decision has sparked significant outrage and criticism across Latin America, undermining Trump's narrative of a strong stance against drug trafficking.
Trump calls Somali migrants ‘garbage,’ says he doesn’t want them in U.S.
NegativeWorld Affairs
Former President Donald Trump has made controversial remarks labeling Somali migrants as 'garbage' and expressing a desire to prevent their entry into the United States, citing concerns about their reliance on social safety nets. This statement reflects Trump's ongoing stance against immigration from certain countries, particularly those he categorizes as 'Third World.'
Trump calls Ilhan Omar 'garbage' and says Somalis should 'go back to where they came from'
NegativeWorld Affairs
President Trump labeled Representative Ilhan Omar as 'garbage' during a Cabinet meeting, suggesting that Somali immigrants should 'go back to where they came from.' This statement follows ongoing discussions about immigration and fraud in Minnesota, where a significant Somali population resides.
Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández freed after Trump pardon
PositiveWorld Affairs
Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has been released from prison after receiving a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Hernández was serving a 45-year sentence for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation that transported large quantities of cocaine to the United States. This decision was confirmed by officials and has stirred significant public interest.
Democratic senators will seek to block Trump from using US forces to attack Venezuela
NegativeWorld Affairs
A group of Democratic senators announced plans to use a congressional vote to prevent President Trump from initiating military action against Venezuela, citing concerns that such an action would be a significant error. They emphasized the need to rein in the administration's aggressive stance towards the South American nation.
Honduras ex-president leaves prison after Trump pardon of drug conviction
NegativeWorld Affairs
Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, has been released from prison following a pardon granted by former President Donald Trump. Hernández was serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking and weapons charges, having been convicted of accepting bribes from drug traffickers to facilitate the movement of cocaine through Honduras to the U.S.
Why is Trump threatening Venezuela's Maduro?
NeutralWorld Affairs
President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Venezuela by threatening military action against President Nicolás Maduro, coinciding with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. This comes as Trump has declared the airspace above Venezuela closed and announced imminent efforts to combat drug trafficking from the country.