Juan Orlando Hernández

Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, also known by his initials JOH, is a Honduran politician who served as the president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022. He was a member of the National Party and held several important positions in the government before becoming president.

Hernández was elected president in 2017 after winning a very close election. However, his time in office was marked by many problems, including claims of unfair elections and serious mistakes in his leadership.

In 2021, Hernández lost his permission to enter the United States because of his involvement in illegal activities. In February 2022, he was arrested by national police and DEA agents at his home in Tegucigalpa after the United States asked to bring him to their country for trial.

In March 2024, Hernández was found guilty in a United States court of helping move illegal drugs across the country. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison. However, in December 2025, he was released from prison after being formally pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Early life and career

Juan Orlando Hernández was born in Gracias, Honduras and was the fifteenth of seventeen children. He studied and got a master's degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Albany. Before becoming a leader, he worked growing coffee in his hometown.

He became a leader in Lempira in 2001 and was elected President of the National Congress on 21 January 2010. He started his role four days later.

Presidential campaigns

In 2012, Hernández tried to become the National Party’s candidate for president in 2013. He won the internal election, but his rival said it was unfair and asked for a recount, which was not granted. In July 2013, Hernández began his campaign in Intibucá and La Paz. He promised to have the military help keep order in the streets. Hernández won the election, beating his closest rival, Xiomara Castro, by many votes.

Later, in 2015, the Supreme Court allowed presidents to run again. In 2017, Hernández became the National Party’s candidate again and was re-elected. However, some people said the election was not fair, and there were protests. The government took special measures during this time.

President of Honduras (2014–2022)

Hernández was the president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022. During his time in office, there were many protests about claims of corruption in his government and other parts of the country. Some protests turned into clashes where people were hurt.

Hernández had good relationships with leaders in the United States and supported some international groups. He also made some important visits, like traveling to Israel to open an embassy there.

U.S. drug trafficking investigation, arrest, extradition, conviction, and pardon

In May 2019, documents showed that Juan Orlando Hernández was part of a big investigation in the United States about moving illegal drugs and hiding money. He was accused of working with others, including his brother, to use drug money to help win elections. Hernández said he was against drug traffickers and that they wanted to hurt him.

In February 2022, U.S. authorities asked to take Hernández to the United States for trial. He was arrested at his home in Tegucigalpa. After some hearings, he was sent to the United States in April 2022. He was charged with helping move cocaine into the United States and with other crimes. Hernández said he was innocent. His trial started in February 2024, and he was found guilty in March. In June, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

In November 2025, just before an election in Honduras, the U.S. president announced he would forgive Hernández for his crimes. Hernández was released from prison in December 2025. The Honduran government later asked for him to be arrested again, but his lawyer said this was for political reasons.

Personal life

Juan Orlando Hernández married Ana García Carías on February 3, 1990, and they have three children together. He is the brother of Tony Hernández, who was involved in serious legal troubles.

Honors

Juan Orlando Hernández received an honor called the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon from Taiwan. This was a special award given to him during his time in office.