Trump-pardoned ex-president to face trial in Honduras

Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, is set to return to his home country in July to face trial for corruption charges, according to a judicial system spokesperson. This development follows his extradition to the United States in 2022, where he was later sentenced to 45 years in prison for his involvement in smuggling approximately 400 tons of cocaine.

However, Hernández received a controversial pardon from then-U.S. President Donald Trump in late November 2025, just before the Honduran presidential election. Trump had publicly endorsed Hernández's conservative party colleague, Nasry Asfura, who ultimately won the election. The pardon raised questions about political motivations, especially given Trump's prior support for Asfura.

Now, Hernández is scheduled to appear in court in Honduras on August 3. This comes after an international arrest warrant against him was lifted. Honduran prosecutors have charged the former president with fraud and money laundering, alleging that he embezzled $2 million in public funds. They claim these funds were used to finance his 2014 election campaign.

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Within the deadline set by the highly respected judge, I will return to Honduras.

Hernández, currently in the United States, confirmed his return to Honduras via an X post on Monday. He stated, "Within the deadline set by the highly respected judge, I will return to Honduras." He added, "I have deep respect for our institutions and the judiciary. This case lacks any legal basis. I am innocent, and the truth will come out."

The prosecution's case against Hernández regarding fraud and money laundering was initiated in 2023. Shortly after Trump's pardon, Honduras's Attorney General requested the execution of an international arrest warrant to ensure the former president could be brought before a court in his home country. The upcoming trial will determine the validity of these charges.

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I have deep respect for our institutions and the judiciary. This case lacks any legal basis. I am innocent, and the truth will come out.