US President Donald Trump is reportedly set to pardon Puerto Rico's former governor Wanda Vázquez Garced, who was indicted on federal corruption charges last year over alleged campaign finance irregularities. The pardon comes after Vázquez and her co-defendants allegedly agreed to provide financial support in exchange for a favorable appointment as the head of Puerto Rico's banking commissioner's office.
The White House has stated that Vázquez's prosecution was politically motivated, with no quid pro quo deal involved. According to reports, an investigation into Vázquez began just 10 days after she endorsed Trump in 2020 and included monitoring not only her campaign but also the Trump campaign itself.
Vázquez is part of a growing list of individuals who have been pardoned by Trump since he took office earlier this year. Other notable recipients include hundreds of individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as well as several high-profile politicians and business leaders.
The pardon has raised questions about Trump's clemency policies, which critics argue are biased towards his allies and loyalists. The move is also seen as part of a broader effort by Trump to consolidate power and reward those who have supported him during his presidency.
Trump's pardon plans have been met with skepticism from many in Washington, who say the President is using his executive powers to silence opponents and whitewash his own wrongdoing. As the investigation into Vázquez's case continues, some are left wondering whether Trump's pardons will ultimately serve as a form of justice or simply as a means of protecting those who have benefited from his influence.
The White House has stated that Vázquez's prosecution was politically motivated, with no quid pro quo deal involved. According to reports, an investigation into Vázquez began just 10 days after she endorsed Trump in 2020 and included monitoring not only her campaign but also the Trump campaign itself.
Vázquez is part of a growing list of individuals who have been pardoned by Trump since he took office earlier this year. Other notable recipients include hundreds of individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as well as several high-profile politicians and business leaders.
The pardon has raised questions about Trump's clemency policies, which critics argue are biased towards his allies and loyalists. The move is also seen as part of a broader effort by Trump to consolidate power and reward those who have supported him during his presidency.
Trump's pardon plans have been met with skepticism from many in Washington, who say the President is using his executive powers to silence opponents and whitewash his own wrongdoing. As the investigation into Vázquez's case continues, some are left wondering whether Trump's pardons will ultimately serve as a form of justice or simply as a means of protecting those who have benefited from his influence.