President Donald Trump has formally pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, erasing a major U.S. drug-trafficking conviction and prompting sharp criticism.
Hernández, who was serving a 45-year sentence and owed an $8 million fine, was released from federal prison in West Virginia, according to attorney Renato Stabile and Bureau of Prisons records.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 2, 2025
Hernández and his family thanked Trump, calling the conviction an injustice. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the pardon, accusing the Biden administration of “over-prosecution.”
But prosecutors previously said Hernández worked with cartels to move more than 400 tons of cocaine toward the U.S. while taking millions in bribes.
🚨 | President Trump reiterated his support for Tito Asfura in the Honduran elections and promised a full pardon for former President Juan Orlando Hernández pic.twitter.com/zIJQytTect
— VOZ (@Voz_US) November 28, 2025
CNN notes that Hernández’s brother was prosecuted during Trump’s first term, undercutting claims that the case was politically driven. Several Trump allies, including Roger Stone, lobbied for the pardon.
The move comes as the administration continues a high-profile crackdown on drug networks in the Caribbean.
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TIPP Staff
