U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who is serving a life sentence in federal prison for drug trafficking.
Trump made the announcement during a recent rally, saying he believes Hernández did not receive a fair trial.
Hernández served as president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022. A U.S. jury convicted him in March 2022 of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
Prosecutors said Hernández worked with drug trafficking groups and accepted bribes from them. Evidence presented at trial included testimony from former associates and intercepted communications. Hernández denied the allegations and said he worked to combat drug trafficking during his presidency.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel sentenced Hernández to life in prison and said the former president violated the trust of the Honduran public. Hernández’s supporters claim the case is politically motivated.
After the conviction, the U.S. government said the case was part of its efforts to address drug trafficking in Central America. Hernández has remained in custody since his sentencing.
Trump said the pardon would support an ally and improve relations with Honduras. The White House has not released details about the formal pardon process, and it remains unclear when or whether Trump will issue the pardon.
Hernández remains in federal custody while the administration considers next steps. Authorities have not announced a timeline for a final decision.