President Donald Trump is set to pardon former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez, according to a White House official. Vázquez, who pleaded guilty last year to a campaign finance offense, faces sentencing later this month in a case entwined with allegations involving a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker.
This pardon underscores ongoing debates about political motivations behind legal actions, as proponents argue this represents a fundamental injustice in the treatment of Vázquez, a Republican aligned with the pro-statehood New Progressive Party.
Key Developments
- Wanda Vázquez pleaded guilty to accepting a promise of a campaign donation that was never made.
- Federal prosecutors sought a one-year prison sentence, which Vázquez’s lawyers contest as a breach of her plea agreement.
- The pardon is viewed by some as politically motivated, coinciding with Vázquez’s endorsement of Trump in 2020.
- Pablo José Hernández, a Congressional representative from Puerto Rico, criticized the planned pardon as a threat to public integrity.
Full Report
Pardon Announcement
A White House official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Trump plans to commute Vázquez’s sentence, labeling the legal actions against her as politically charged. This perspective stems from the timing of the investigation, which began just ten days after Vázquez expressed support for Trump in 2020.
Legal Background
Vázquez faces a federal sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to a charge involving campaign financing last August. The issue emerged from allegations that she accepted a promise of financial support related to her 2020 campaign, although that financial support never materialized. In a complex web of corruption allegations, Vázquez was also linked to Mark Rossini, a former FBI agent, and Venezuelan banker Julio Martín Herrera Velutini, both implicated in a bribery scheme aiming to influence her political decisions.
Official Responses
Reaction to the pardon has been divided. Pablo José Hernández, representing Puerto Rico’s opposition, condemned the decision, arguing it undermines public trust and promotes corrupt practices within governance. He emphasized the importance of accountability and integrity in public service, making clear that the community’s faith in the judicial system is at stake.
Vázquez’s Political Legacy
Wanda Vázquez’s governance was marked by tumult, stepping into the role in August 2019 amid national turmoil following the resignation of her predecessor, Ricardo Rosselló. Notably, she became the first former governor of Puerto Rico to admit guilt in a criminal case. Her administration lasted until 2021 when she lost the pro-statehood party’s primaries to Pedro Pierluisi.
Context & Previous Events
Before her guilty plea, Vázquez faced a slew of charges including bribery and fraud, which were dropped as part of her plea agreement. The case against her revolved around accusations related to her administration’s handling of political contributions and allegations regarding the appointment of government officials in Puerto Rico.
