On December 2, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former President of Honduras, who had been sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking and related offenses. This pardon was confirmed by Hernández's attorney, Renato Stabile, and a White House official.

Hernández was convicted in March 2024 after a jury trial in New York City, where he was described by the U.S. Department of Justice as central to a violent drug-trafficking conspiracy that facilitated the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors alleged that Hernández used bribes from drug-trafficking organizations to gain political power and provided protection for these groups, contributing to widespread violence in Honduras, which has been characterized as one of the most dangerous countries globally.

The pardon has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who argued that it undermines the rule of law and disrespects American families affected by drug-related issues. Pelosi highlighted the contradiction in Trump's actions, noting that while he authorizes military operations against drug trafficking, he simultaneously pardons a convicted drug trafficker.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the pardon, claiming it was influenced by respected individuals who believed Hernández had been treated unfairly. She characterized the prosecution as an overreach by the Biden administration, asserting that the pardon does not contradict Trump's anti-drug initiatives, which include military operations targeting drug trafficking.

The timing of the pardon has raised concerns, particularly as it coincides with heightened tensions between the Trump administration and Venezuela, which has been labeled a narco-state under President Nicolás Maduro. Critics argue that the pardon reflects a troubling inconsistency in U.S. policy regarding drug trafficking and state aggression.

Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, expressed confusion over the pardon, questioning its implications for the administration's commitment to combat drug trafficking. Senator Rand Paul also criticized the pardon, emphasizing the severe consequences of drug trafficking on public health and safety.

Hernández's pardon is part of a broader pattern of clemency actions taken by Trump, which have included pardons for individuals involved in various forms of corruption and criminal activity. This raises concerns about the potential for self-dealing and the implications of such decisions on the integrity of the U.S. justice system and its foreign policy objectives.