In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, President Donald Trump announced his intention to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking and weapons charges in 2024. Trump justified his decision on social media, citing concerns that Hernandez was treated unfairly, leading to celebrations from Hernandez’s family. Hernandez’s conviction stemmed from conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. during his two terms as Honduras’ leader. The announcement coincided with Trump’s endorsement of Nasry “Tito” Asfura for Honduras’ presidency and threats of consequences if he were to lose the election.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of importing cocaine into the US. Trump also expressed support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming Honduran general election, criticizing other candidates and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug-related activities. The former president’s statement came amidst the backdrop of US counternarcotics operations in the region, which legal experts have questioned.
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House Democrats are urging the White House to avoid any reprieve for Ghislaine Maxwell, with Rep. Jamie Raskin introducing a resolution opposing commutation, pardon, or clemency. This move follows reports of Maxwell preparing a commutation application, sparking concern given her 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Although Trump has not explicitly ruled out a pardon, the political risk is significant, and the resolution serves as a symbolic message against clemency for Maxwell. Despite the resolution’s symbolic nature, its introduction underscores the seriousness of the issue and growing concern among lawmakers.
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Donald Trump’s pardon of cryptocurrency firm Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who had pleaded guilty to money-laundering, has sparked controversy due to Zhao’s financial ties to the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. The pardon occurred months after Binance partnered with World Liberty Financial in a $2 billion deal, prompting former U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer to call the pardon “corruption” on 60 Minutes, citing unprecedented influence of money. Experts like Harvard’s Lawrence Lessig suggest the currency selection was intended to benefit Trump, noting Zhao’s potential control over World Liberty Financial’s success, while the White House defends the pardon as an exercise of Trump’s constitutional authority.
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Former Tottenham Hotspur FC owner, Joe Lewis, has been pardoned by Donald Trump for his involvement in an insider trading scheme. Lewis, who was convicted in 2024, was initially fined and placed on probation after pleading guilty to a plan that enriched his associates through stock trading. The pardon was requested by Lewis to facilitate medical treatment and family visits. The insider trading scheme involved Lewis passing on privileged information to employees, including his pilot and girlfriend.
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In an unprecedented move, former US President Donald Trump wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu of corruption charges. Trump argued that the case was a “political, unjustified prosecution” and that Netanyahu should be allowed to unite Israel. This call for a pardon follows previous criticisms of the charges against Netanyahu, including comments made to the Knesset last month and a declaration of the trial being a “witch hunt”. President Herzog responded by stating that any pardon request must follow established procedures, highlighting the need for a formal request.
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Before a ceremony to retire his jersey number at Citi Field, Darryl Strawberry, former New York Mets player, was pardoned by President Donald Trump. The pardon came after Strawberry pleaded guilty to tax evasion three decades ago, served time, and paid back taxes. Following his career, Strawberry embraced Christianity and has maintained sobriety for over a decade, becoming active in ministry and starting a recovery center. Strawberry, an eight-time MLB All-Star, helped lead both the New York Mets and Yankees to World Series victories.
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Ukraine jails Russian soldier for life for killing POW in first such ruling, and this event really does stand out. It’s not just another headline; it’s a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexities and the grim realities of war. This marks the first time Ukraine has handed down a life sentence to a Russian soldier for the specific crime of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war. The court’s decision isn’t just about punishment; it’s about making a statement. It’s a declaration that these actions have consequences and that the rule of law, even amidst the chaos of war, is being upheld.… Continue reading
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump claimed ignorance regarding his pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who was convicted of money-laundering. Despite the pardon coming shortly after a multibillion-dollar deal between Binance and World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture founded by Trump’s sons, the former president stated he didn’t know Zhao and viewed the case as a “Biden witch hunt.” Trump’s response also included a comment that his sons were “into it” and he thought crypto was “a great industry.” The pardon has raised concerns about the appearance of corruption, especially given Binance’s reported efforts to secure the pardon following Trump’s election win, according to reports.
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Construction of President Trump’s massive new White House ballroom commenced Monday, with the demolition of the East Wing occurring rapidly. The addition, shrouded in secrecy, is projected to be the largest in White House history, nearly doubling the size of the existing main structure. Despite Trump’s earlier assurances, the ballroom’s construction required the removal of a significant portion of the White House. Details regarding the design and layout of the new ballroom have been scarce.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood