The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Lawrence: Pardoning history’s biggest drug dealers proves Trump doesn’t care about drug trafficking
Dec 10, 2025
Join Sen. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Senator focused on national security, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a vocal advocate for transparency in Congress, as they dive into pressing political issues. They discuss the implications of Trump's pardons on drug trafficking, emphasizing accountability and transparency in governance. Kelly demands the Pentagon release a controversial video, while Khanna argues that unsealing grand jury materials from the Epstein case is essential for justice. Their insights reveal how political actions resonate with the public and impact survivors.
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Withheld Strike Video Raises Questions
- Lawrence O'Donnell highlights that the Pentagon released some strike videos but is withholding a second missile strike video that killed survivors.
- He argues selective release suggests concealment of potentially unlawful actions by the administration.
Pardon Undermines Anti-Drug Credibility
- O'Donnell states Donald Trump's pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez contradicts any claim of caring about drug trafficking.
- He summarizes DOJ findings that Hernandez facilitated over 400 tons of cocaine and accepted millions in bribes to protect traffickers.
DOJ Details Scale Of Hernandez Crimes
- The Justice Department described Hernandez as central to a massive, violent trafficking conspiracy aided by weapons and bribery.
- O'Donnell emphasizes this transformed Honduras into one of the most dangerous countries in the region.