Bulwark Takes Trump's Drug Kingpin Pardon Makes No Sense
Nov 30, 2025
Will Saletan, a sharp political analyst and commentator, joins Andrew Egger to dissect Trump's controversial pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, a former Honduras president convicted of drug trafficking. They delve into the strange timing and messaging behind the pardon announcement. The duo explores Trump's pattern of defending foreign leaders entangled in legal issues, shedding light on his distrust of U.S. courts. Saletan also discusses the possible political motivations behind aligning an endorsement with the pardon, revealing deeper implications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unexpected Pardon For Convicted Ex‑Leader
- Donald Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández despite his U.S. conviction for drug trafficking and a 45-year sentence.
- The pardon surprised observers because Hernández was already convicted by a U.S. jury in New York.
Trump Identifies With Convicted Allies
- Trump framed Hernández's conviction as political persecution and likened it to attacks on himself.
- Will Saletan argues Trump trusts claims of "political persecution" as proof of innocence and reacts by pardoning allies.
Policy Contradiction On Drugs
- The pardon conflicts with the administration's aggressive anti‑drug actions in the region, like bombing suspected drug boats.
- Will contrasts military-style strikes lacking legal process with Hernández's full U.S. trial and conviction.