The Daily TLDR

The video highlights the apparent hypocrisy in Donald Trump's foreign policy, specifically comparing his treatment of two presidents accused of stealing elections and indicted on narcot-trafficking charges: Juan Orlando Hernandez (Honduras) and Nicolas Maduro (Venezuela).

The Case of Juan Orlando Hernandez

• The Charges: Hernandez, former president of Honduras, was convicted in 2024 for leading "one of the biggest and most violent narcot-trafficking conspiracies in the world." Prosecutors stated he used his political ascent, from congressman to president, to protect drug routes in exchange for millions, helping flood the US with over 400 tons of cocaine.
• The Sentence & Pardon: He was sentenced to 45 years in prison but was granted a full and unconditional pardon by Trump, who claimed the criminal case was a "Biden horrible witch hunt," despite the prosecution beginning under Trump's own first term.
• The Lobbying Effort: The pardon was secured after an intense lobbying campaign by Hernandez's family, including a four-page letter that flattered Trump, praised him, and claimed Hernandez had drawn strength from studying how Trump was a victim of "lawfare." Trump's longtime friend, Roger Stone, also pushed for the pardon, timing it just before the Honduran elections.

The Case of Nicolás Maduro

• The Charges: In stark contrast, Trump launched an "armada and an allout effort to oust" Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, who was indicted in 2020 by the US for roughly the same crimes Hernandez was convicted of: stealing elections and protecting cocaine shipments.

Trump's Foreign Policy and Political Influence

Analysts suggest the different treatment is at the heart of Trump's foreign policy: he picks "winners and losers" based on ideological friendship and political expediency.

• 2017 Election Interference: Trump first rescued Hernandez in 2017. Despite election monitors finding irregularities and calling for a new vote due to fraud allegations, Trump recognized Hernandez as the winner anyway.
• 2024 Election Influence: The pardon announcement was made just two days before Hondurans voted, potentially helping Hernandez's party clean up its image. Trump accompanied the pardon with a direct warning, suggesting the US would cut aid if the opposing party candidate lost, effectively throwing his weight around in the Western Hemisphere. This move is seen as a return to 19th-century influence campaigns, where Trump backs his "friends," like Javier Milei in Argentina, whom he supported with billions of dollars just before his election, leading to a big win.