US President Donald Trump is poised to issue a pardon to Wanda Vazquez Garced, the former Governor of Puerto Rico, following a plea deal, according to the White House. The development comes after Trump administration officials tied the pardon to his ongoing campaign against what he calls "lawfare," or the abuse of the justice system for political gain.
Vazquez faces charges related to corruption while serving as governor from 2019 to 2021, with prosecutors accusing her of agreeing to fire a financial commissioner in exchange for a campaign contribution. However, she reached a plea deal, and it appears that Trump plans to use this opportunity to protect one of his allies.
This pardon is not an isolated incident; under Trump's presidency, more than 1,700 pardons have been granted since he returned to office for a second term, surpassing the number issued by his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Trump has used these pardons to shield right-wing officials and supporters, including those involved in violent acts like the January 6 US Capitol riot.
Critics of Vazquez's pardon argue that it undermines public integrity and erodes trust in the justice system. "Impunity protects and promotes corruption," said Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, a member of the US House of Representatives representing Puerto Rico. By granting this pardon, Trump appears to be promoting his own agenda and shielding his allies from accountability.
This pardon also reflects Trump's long-standing relationship with Puerto Rico, which has been tumultuous at best. In 2024, he held a rally in New York featuring a politician who called the island a "floating island of garbage." Trump has sought to protect political allies through pardons, often accusing the justice system of being unfairly biased against conservatives.
Vazquez, as a Republican and member of the New Progressive Party, which advocates for US statehood for Puerto Rico, may have seen this pardon as an opportunity to secure her future. However, her decision to reach a plea deal was likely influenced by Trump's campaign promises and his ability to use pardons to shield allies.
The controversy surrounding Vazquez's pardon highlights the ongoing debate about executive power and accountability in the US justice system. Critics argue that Trump is using pardons as a tool for political revenge and self-preservation, rather than genuine attempts at reform or justice.
Vazquez faces charges related to corruption while serving as governor from 2019 to 2021, with prosecutors accusing her of agreeing to fire a financial commissioner in exchange for a campaign contribution. However, she reached a plea deal, and it appears that Trump plans to use this opportunity to protect one of his allies.
This pardon is not an isolated incident; under Trump's presidency, more than 1,700 pardons have been granted since he returned to office for a second term, surpassing the number issued by his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Trump has used these pardons to shield right-wing officials and supporters, including those involved in violent acts like the January 6 US Capitol riot.
Critics of Vazquez's pardon argue that it undermines public integrity and erodes trust in the justice system. "Impunity protects and promotes corruption," said Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, a member of the US House of Representatives representing Puerto Rico. By granting this pardon, Trump appears to be promoting his own agenda and shielding his allies from accountability.
This pardon also reflects Trump's long-standing relationship with Puerto Rico, which has been tumultuous at best. In 2024, he held a rally in New York featuring a politician who called the island a "floating island of garbage." Trump has sought to protect political allies through pardons, often accusing the justice system of being unfairly biased against conservatives.
Vazquez, as a Republican and member of the New Progressive Party, which advocates for US statehood for Puerto Rico, may have seen this pardon as an opportunity to secure her future. However, her decision to reach a plea deal was likely influenced by Trump's campaign promises and his ability to use pardons to shield allies.
The controversy surrounding Vazquez's pardon highlights the ongoing debate about executive power and accountability in the US justice system. Critics argue that Trump is using pardons as a tool for political revenge and self-preservation, rather than genuine attempts at reform or justice.
Interesting how this pardon is linked to his "lawfare" campaign, like he's trying to make a point with it 