Scoop: The letter behind Trump's pardon of Honduras' ex-president for drug trafficking

Honduras' former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, is facing a likely pardon from Donald Trump after being convicted of drug trafficking. This potential pardon stems from a letter Hernandez wrote praising Trump and a lobbying effort by Roger Stone. Trump announced his intention to pardon Hernandez just before Honduran elections, where the White House supported Hernandez's National Party. Stone had repeatedly called for Hernandez's pardon, portraying him as a victim of political persecution. Hernandez's letter to Trump echoed themes of admiration and alleged a Biden administration agenda. He claimed his prosecution was politically motivated and due to ineffective legal counsel. However, records suggest Hernandez did not heavily emphasize his political persecution narrative during his trial. Notably, the prosecutor who handled Hernandez's case also had dealings with Trump's administration. Trump's endorsement of a Honduran candidate aligns with his broader strategy of supporting right-wing governments. The proposed pardon complicates messaging regarding figures like Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, who also faces drug trafficking charges. Trump's team defended the pardon, claiming Hernandez was "set up" by a Biden administration overreach. Roger Stone maintains he acted on behalf of perceived injustice and passed information to Trump. Some in Trump's circle express concern about the timing and justification of the pardon, particularly in relation to Maduro.