Ex-Honduran President Hernandez Returns After Trump Pardon

Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, returned to his home country on Sunday after being pardoned by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Hernandez had been serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking before the pardon was granted last year. Upon his return, he attended a rally in Comayagua, where he expressed gratitude to Trump, stating that he was a victim of a political witch hunt.

Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on August 3 to face charges of fraud and money laundering, which he denies, claiming persecution. He is accused of diverting $2 million in public funds for his presidential campaign.

Hernandez led Honduras from 2014 to 2022 and was extradited to the U.S. shortly after leaving office. A U.S. court found him guilty in 2024 of smuggling cocaine in collaboration with cartel leaders, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

Trump's pardon sparked controversy and accusations of foreign interference in Honduras's elections.