Then-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez gives an speech in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Marlon Gomez/CON/LatinContent/Getty Images
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Marlon Gomez/CON/LatinContent/Getty Images

Then-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez gives an speech in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Marlon Gomez/CON/LatinContent/Getty Images
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been officially pardoned by President Trump. Hernández, who was involved in a major drug-trafficking conspiracy, had been sentenced to 45 years for his crimes.
The pardon has sparked controversy and accusations of hypocrisy, as it comes at a time when the Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Critics argue that the pardon undermines the administration’s anti-drug trafficking stance. Senator Tim Kaine called the decision “shocking” and questioned the administration’s commitment to fighting narcotrafficking.
Hernández, who had close ties to the Trump administration, received support from the former president and his allies. The pardon has raised concerns about political favoritism and corruption.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Hernández was described by a judge as a “two-faced politician hungry for power” who abused his position for personal gain.
Trump’s decision to pardon Hernández is just one of many controversial pardons he has issued during his time in office.
It remains to be seen how this latest pardon will impact the administration’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and corruption in the region.

