The president shared his thoughts on social media, saying that many respected voices believe Hernandez was treated “harshly and unfairly.”
In March of last year, Hernandez was found guilty in a U.S. court for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into America. He had served as the leader of Honduras, a country of about 10 million, for two terms.
This post also supported Tito Asfura in the upcoming presidential election for Honduras. Trump stated that the U.S. would back Asfura if he wins. However, he warned that if Asfura loses, the U.S. wouldn’t waste resources on ineffective leadership. He emphasized that “a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.”
Outgoing President Xiomara Castro has taken a left-leaning approach but remains practical in working with the U.S. She’s hosted key figures like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, showing a willingness to cooperate. Castro even eased off on threats to terminate Honduras’ extradition treaty and military ties with the U.S.
Under her leadership, Honduras has also managed the return of its citizens who were deported from the U.S. Additionally, it has served as a transit point for deported Venezuelans heading home.
Recent statistics reveal that drug-related violence and corruption have significantly shaped political dynamics in Central America. In 2022, Honduras witnessed a rise in crime rates fueled by drug trafficking, which has drawn the U.S. into complex diplomatic relations. As noted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, over 70% of cocaine entering the U.S. comes through Central America, highlighting the region’s critical role in global drug trade.
Experts argue that effective leadership is essential to combat these issues. If Asfura can rally support around reforms, it could lead to a more stable environment. Social media trends show that many Hondurans are hopeful but cautious, sharing a mix of optimism and skepticism as the election approaches.
For more insights on Central American politics and U.S. relations, you can refer to reports from the [Council on Foreign Relations](https://www.cfr.org/) for authoritative information.
