Trump, Netanyahu allegedly working to return convicted former Honduran president to power, report says
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are allegedly working to facilitate the return of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to power, a joint investigation by Hondurasgate and Spain's Canal RED reported. Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in a US federal prison for drug trafficking before being pardoned by Trump in November 2025.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are allegedly working to facilitate the return of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to power, a report said Wednesday. The move is aimed at turning Honduras into a strategic zone of military, logistical and economic operations for the interests of the US and Israel in the region, according to a joint investigation by Hondurasgate and Spain's Canal RED.
Audio recordings
The outlet published alleged audio recordings in which Hernandez, current President Nasry Asfura and other Honduran officials discuss an operation driven by the US and financed by Israel to weave a network of corruption in Honduras, aiming to turn the country into a US investment hub. Hernandez says in one audio: "The prime minister of Israel is going to support us. We are very grateful to him—they had a lot to do with it. In fact, they had everything to do with my release and the negotiations."
Trump pardon
Trump pardoned Hernandez on Dec. 1, 2025, a day after Honduran general elections in which Asfura, the National Party candidate, won. Hernandez had been sentenced to 45 years in a US federal prison on June 26, 2024 for drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The decision took the Honduran public by surprise, as the elections were marked by technical problems and allegations of fraud.
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Hernandez's threat
In the recordings, Hernandez is heard telling Asfura: "I want to believe that you are not going to cast me aside because, thanks to me, you are sitting in that chair. I will be president, and I expect your support, because that is what we discussed with President Trump."
Investment plans
According to the investigation, Asfura has begun discussions with major investors, including General Electric, to take over large portions of Honduran territory and industries, including free trade zones (ZEDEs), Palmerola International Airport, and an interoceanic railway.
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