Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández of Honduras Freed from Prison Following Trump's Pardon

Juan Orlando Hernndez, the former President of Honduras, was released from incarceration on Monday after receiving a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump for charges linked to aiding drug traffickers.

After nearly four years of hardship, waiting, and challenging trials, my husband Juan Orlando Hernndez is now a free man, thanks to the presidential pardon from President Donald Trump, posted Ana Garca Caras, Honduras former first lady, on the social media platform X early Tuesday. She added, We thank God for His justice and perfect timing. To everyone who supported us, prayed, defended the truth, and believed in justicethis moment is yours too.

Hernndez had been sentenced to 45 years in prison in July 2024 after being found guilty of more than a decade of involvement with drug traffickers transporting cocaine to the United States.

Trump issued the pardon on Friday, asserting that Hernndez had been treated very harshly and unfairly. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump explained that many Hondurans had asked him to intervene, insisting that Hernndez was wrongfully labeled a drug dealer due to his role as president and that the prosecution was politically motivated under the Biden administration. I examined the facts and agreed with them, Trump said.

The pardon occurred just days before Hondurans voted for a new president. Trump publicly supported conservative candidate Nasry Tito Asfura, stating, The United States has great confidence in him, his policies, and what he will achieve for the people of Honduras, and we will support him strongly. He also warned that electing the wrong leader could lead to disastrous outcomes for any nation.

Not all Republicans agreed with the decision. Florida Representative Maria Elvira Salazar said she personally would not have granted Hernndez a pardon, though she noted, Im not in the Oval Office, and defended Trumps broader approach toward Venezuela amid drug trafficking concerns. She described the situation as imperfect, adding, I would not have taken that action myself.

Author: Benjamin Carter