In a tense exchange on This Week on November 5, 2023, GOP Senator Eric Schmitt confronted host George Stephanopoulos over the controversial pardon of former Honduran president and convicted drug smuggler, Juan Orlando Hernández. The discussion escalated as Schmitt struggled to articulate his stance on the pardon, leading to a heated debate that drew significant attention.
Senator’s Frustration on National Television
During the interview, Stephanopoulos pressed Schmitt about his views on Trump’s decision to pardon Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking, including the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. Schmitt initially claimed he was unfamiliar with the details of the pardon, stating, “I’m not familiar with facts and circumstances.” This response prompted Stephanopoulos to emphasize the widespread coverage of the issue, asking, “Aren’t you curious about that?”
As Schmitt grew increasingly agitated, he criticized the host for perceived bias, suggesting that Stephanopoulos was lenient with a previous guest from the Democratic Party. “With your previous guest, you had zero pushback because he’s giving the Democrat talking points,” Schmitt asserted, reflecting his frustration with the line of questioning. The senator’s remarks seemed to sidestep the core issue of the pardon itself, focusing instead on his grievances regarding media treatment.
Deflecting the Debate on Drug Trafficking
Schmitt continued to evade direct questions about the pardon, instead delivering a lengthy monologue on former President Trump’s border security measures, claiming they were “like we’ve never seen before.” His comments highlighted a disconnect between Trump’s anti-cartel rhetoric and the implications of pardoning a convicted drug trafficker. Despite the senator’s efforts to redirect the conversation towards broader issues of drug-related violence, the focus remained on the pardon.
“To make the point, what I’m saying is you’re trying to divert here the attention from what the American people actually support,” Schmitt stated.
This response did little to satisfy Stephanopoulos, who reiterated his inquiry. The host’s persistence underscored the gravity of the situation, especially given Hernández’s history of drug trafficking and the implications of his pardon. Schmitt ultimately resorted to general statements about narco-terrorism, framing the discussion as a diversion from more pressing issues.
The contentious exchange is part of a larger narrative involving Trump and his relationship with the media, particularly with ABC News. Trump has previously criticized Stephanopoulos, even going so far as to dub him “George Sloppodopoulos.” This ongoing feud has roots in a defamation lawsuit against ABC, which resulted in a $15 million settlement related to comments made during a prior interview.
The interview illustrates the challenges faced by some Republican leaders as they navigate complex issues surrounding Trump’s actions and the party’s broader stance on crime and border security. As public scrutiny continues, the ramifications of the pardon and its impact on U.S. drug policy remain significant points of discussion.
