Geopolitical Economy Report Trump frees one of world's worst drug traffickers - while meddling in foreign elections
Dec 3, 2025
The discussion reveals Donald Trump's controversial pardon of notorious drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernández, highlighting his extensive cocaine operations and ties to U.S. administrations. The episode delves into the U.S.'s historical meddling in Honduran elections, including the support for a military coup and allegations of election fraud in 2013 and 2017. Future meddling is also predicted as Trump influences the 2025 Honduran election. The resistance of Honduras against U.S. imperialism forms a critical part of this compelling narrative.
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U.S. Backed A Narco-Linked Honduran Regime
- The U.S. backed Juan Orlando Hernández despite his role running one of the largest cocaine trafficking operations into the U.S..
- Ben Norton highlights the bipartisan nature of U.S. support for narco-allied regimes in Honduras across administrations.
Honduras Used To Pressure Neighbors
- During Trump's first term Honduras was used to pressure Nicaragua and backed a 2019 coup attempt against Venezuela.
- Norton recounts how the U.S.-aligned Honduran regime actively supported U.S. regional interventions.
Counter-Drug Claims Clash With Actions
- Norton calls out hypocrisy of bombing Venezuelan boats while pardoning a major drug trafficker.
- He argues U.S. counter-narcotics claims are undermined by selective enforcement and political goals.