Donald Trump to Pardon Wanda Vazquez: A Major Move Against 'Lawfare'

Is it a strike against political persecution or a blow to judicial integrity? President Donald Trump is set to pardon Wanda Vazquez Garced, the former governor of Puerto Rico who recently pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges. The White House confirmed the plan on Friday, January 16, 2026, signaling another escalation in Trump's campaign against what he calls "lawfare."

Donald Trump Wanda Vazquez Pardon: Fighting 'Political Persecution'

Administration officials told Reuters that the case against Vazquez is a prime example of "political persecution." Since returning to office, Trump has maintained a lightning-fast pace of executive clemency, granting over 1,700 pardons in just one year. This trajectory suggests he'll likely surpass Joe Biden, who issued 4,245 acts of clemency during his four-year term.

Trump's pardon list has heavily favored political allies and right-wing figures. Notable recipients include former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and numerous individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump consistently argues that the Justice Department was weaponized against conservatives during his time out of office.

The Bribery Scandal and Local Backlash

Vazquez, a Republican and member of the New Progressive Party, was arrested in 2022. Prosecutors alleged she promised to fire a financial commissioner in exchange for a $300,000 campaign contribution from a Venezuelan financier. While she initially denied the claims, she accepted a plea deal in August.

Opposition leaders in Puerto Rico have slammed the move. Representative Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera stated that such a pardon "erodes trust in the justice system" and promotes a culture of impunity on the island. The relationship between Trump and Puerto Rico remains tense, especially following his previous comments regarding the territory's management.