Donald Trump's decision to grant a full pardon to a former Central American leader convicted on major drug charges has reportedly left his own senior White House staff in the dark. The move underscores the former president's continued use of executive clemency for controversial figures.
A Pardon That Caught the White House Off Guard
In a move that reportedly blindsided his top aide, Donald Trump issued a "full and complete pardon" to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández. Hernández was convicted for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle a staggering 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.
According to reports, key figures within Trump's inner circle, including his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, were not given any advance notice of the controversial decision. The pardon was announced publicly before senior advisers had been consulted, highlighting a pattern of unilateral action from the Oval Office.
Justification and Political Influence
Trump publicly defended his action, claiming Hernández had been "treated very harshly and unfairly" by the US justice system. He further alleged the prosecution was a "Biden setup," a claim undermined by the fact the investigation began during previous administrations.
Notably, Trump admitted he knew "very little" about the specifics of the high-profile case. The push for clemency is said to have been heavily influenced by political allies, with longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone actively lobbying for the pardon.
A Growing Pattern of Controversial Clemency
Since returning to power in January 2025, Trump has frequently exercised his presidential pardon authority, often applying it to individuals who claim political persecution.
His clemency spree has included:
- Individuals convicted for roles in the January 6th Capitol riot.
- Wealthy businessmen and high-profile politicians.
- Others who have alleged they were targets of politically motivated investigations.
The pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández represents one of the most internationally significant and domestically controversial uses of this power to date, raising questions about the process and influence behind such decisions.
