Honduran court drops all charges against former president pardoned by Trump

A Honduran court has dropped all charges of fraud and money laundering against the country's former leader, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was pardoned by former US President Donald Trump, officials said on September 1. Hernandez was in a US prison on drug trafficking charges and was released nine months ago.

According to court spokesman Carlos Silva, the judges concluded that Hernandez was not responsible for budget decisions at the time of the crime. It was also not confirmed that the embezzled funds were directed to his 2013 presidential campaign.

"Of course, we expected this outcome, because the case had no basis," Hernandez told supporters gathered outside the courthouse.

"The court's decision is clear. Today, this chapter of political persecution is put to an end. Those who organized this wanted to expel me from Honduras for life and leave my family on the streets," he added, referring to the confiscated assets.

He called the incident "real vandalism." Hernández appeared outside the courthouse with his wife, Ana Garcia, who had sought to run for president on her own party's ticket in 2025.

While Hernández's supporters celebrated the decision, anti-corruption groups expressed concern. They said the decision would further undermine public trust in the courts. They also pointed out that a key witness for the prosecution was released from prison just hours before the verdict. Prosecutors could still appeal the decision, said Carlos Silva, the court's secretary.

Hernández returned to Honduras in late July. He was extradited to the United States in 2022 on drug trafficking charges. Two years later, he was found guilty and sentenced to 45 years in prison in the United States. However, in 2025, US President Donald Trump pardoned him.

Trump's pardon of Hernández was announced two days before the presidential election in Honduras in November. Many saw it as an attempt to influence the country's elections. Trump also said that he would cut off financial aid to Honduras if Hernández's candidate from the right-wing "National Party" Nasri Asfura did not win. Asfura is now the country's president.

After his release from US prison, Hernández continued to face fraud and money laundering charges in Honduras as part of a large-scale corruption investigation known as "Pandora II".

Prosecutors have accused Hernandez and other senior officials of diverting nearly $11 million in public funds to political campaigns between 2010 and 2013. Some of the funds were allegedly used for Hernandez’s first presidential campaign. Other senior officials have also been cleared of charges, including former President Porfirio Lobo and former Finance Minister Wilfredo Serrato.

Hernandez led Honduras from 2014 to 2022. During that time, the Central American nation became a major drug trafficking hub. Hundreds of thousands of citizens fled the country to escape drug-related violence and extortion.

U.S. prosecutors say Hernandez abused his presidency during that time. He turned the country into a narco-state and allowed smugglers to operate with impunity.