Fri Jan 16 22:43:16 UTC 2026: Headline: Trump Pardons Former Puerto Rican Governor Wanda Vazquez in Bribery Case

The Story:
Former Puerto Rican Governor Wanda Vazquez received a pardon from President Donald Trump in 2025, after she accepted a plea deal following accusations of participating in a bribery scheme while in office. The White House confirmed the pardon, with Trump administration officials linking it to the president’s ongoing campaign against what he deems “lawfare.” The pardon has sparked controversy, particularly among Puerto Rico’s political opposition, who view it as undermining public integrity and trust in the justice system.

Key Points:

  • Wanda Vazquez, former governor of Puerto Rico, was pardoned by President Donald Trump.
  • Vazquez accepted a plea deal in 2025 after being accused of bribery related to incidents between December 2019 and June 2020.
  • The bribery case involved allegations that Vazquez promised to fire a commissioner in exchange for campaign contributions from Venezuelan financier Julio Martin Herrera Velutini.
  • Prosecutors allege that Herrera Velutini and former FBI agent Mark Rossini paid $300,000 to political consultants to boost Vazquez’s 2020 campaign.
  • Trump officials have framed the pardon as a move against “political persecution.”
  • The pardon has been met with criticism from Puerto Rican political figures, including Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, who represents the island territory in the US House of Representatives.
  • Trump has granted over 1,700 pardons and acts of clemency in the last year.

Critical Analysis:

The pardon of Wanda Vazquez aligns with a pattern of President Trump using his pardon power to protect political allies and right-wing figures, as evidenced by the pardons of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. By framing these actions as a defense against “lawfare,” Trump reinforces his narrative of the U.S. justice system being biased against conservatives. The historical context also mentions Trump thanking Iran for not following through with executions of political prisoners. This, combined with the Vazquez pardon, suggests a broader theme of Trump intervening in justice-related matters both domestically and internationally, often in ways that challenge conventional norms.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Trump’s use of pardons reflects a pattern of protecting political allies and right-wing figures.
  • The pardon of Wanda Vazquez has fueled controversy and accusations of undermining public integrity.
  • Trump frames these actions as a defense against “political persecution” and “lawfare.”
  • Trump’s frequent use of pardons and acts of clemency distinguishes his administration from his predecessors.
  • The pardoning is done despite a clear pattern of corruption and illegal behavior.

Impact Analysis:

The pardon of Wanda Vazquez has potential long-term implications. It could further erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those accused of corruption, especially if they have political connections. More broadly, Trump’s liberal use of the pardon power could set a precedent for future presidents, potentially weakening the rule of law. The division on the island of Puerto Rico will likely increase. The impact in the US is that Trump is showing, in many ways, that justice and legal accountability is selective and can be overcome with enough power.

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