The ex-president whom Trump plans to pardon flooded America with cocaine
Juan Orlando Hernández aided a decades-long trafficking conspiracy. It ravaged his country.
From The Times
December 1, 2025

Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, once boasted that he would “stuff the drugs up the gringos’ noses.” He accepted a $1 million bribe from El Chapo. A man was killed in prison to protect him.

A man in a blue jacket is escorted by ranks of security officers.

Jorge Cabrera/Getty Images

Last week, Trump said he would pardon Hernández.

MORE TOP STORIES

Kim Batten stands at home wearing a dark trench coat.

A surprise when your package arrives: You have to pay the tariff.

Inside President Trump’s push to make the White House ballroom as big as possible.

The U.S. Supreme Court, whose front is covered in scaffolding, is seen through a canopy of trees.

Despite racking up Supreme Court wins, an elite Department of Justice unit has seen mass turnover.

How Trump is changing Washington, the country and its politics.

Sign up for the On Politics newsletter.

How Trump is changing Washington, the country and its politics.

Get it in your inbox

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times.

To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018