Juan Orlando Hernandez returns to Honduras after Trump pardon
Key Takeaways
- Juan Orlando Hernandez returned to Honduras after a US pardon.
- Donald Trump granted him a full presidential pardon in 2025.
- Hernandez still faces fraud and money laundering proceedings in Honduras.
The former Honduran president arrived home after receiving a US presidential pardon but still faces fraud and money laundering proceedings in Honduras.
Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez returned to Honduras on Sunday after receiving a pardon from US President Donald Trump, which secured his release from a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking and weapons offences.
Hernandez arrived at Palmerola International Airport in Comayagua, where he was welcomed by relatives and supporters before addressing a public gathering at Finca Rocio.
"I tell you no, do not be afraid. I come with a heart full of hope, humility, gratitude. I come to be one more Honduran who builds, who creates," Hernandez told the crowd.
During his speech, the former president praised Trump, describing him as the "best-informed president in the world." He also said Trump had referred to the case against him as "a witch hunt" and "the use of justice as a political weapon."
Supporters also defended Hernandez following his return.
"He was the best president we have had in Honduras and we want him here with us because he is from this land, from Honduras. He should not be anywhere else," one supporter said.
Hernandez was arrested in Tegucigalpa in February 2022 before being extradited to the United States two months later.
In June 2024, a US federal court sentenced him to 45 years in prison after convicting him of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and weapons-related offences.
Trump granted Hernandez a full pardon in December 2025, arguing that the prosecution had been unfair and politically motivated. The pardon led to his release from prison.
Despite the US pardon, Hernandez still faces legal proceedings in Honduras.
The case, known as Pandora II, involves allegations that nearly $11 million in public funds was diverted to finance political campaigns between 2010 and 2013. Hernandez has denied accusations of fraud and money laundering.
He was not arrested upon arrival because a Honduran judge temporarily suspended an arrest warrant and an Interpol red notice against him in June.
Hernandez has agreed to appear before a judge on August 3, when he is expected to be formally questioned over the allegations.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
