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Trump Pardons Ex-Puerto Rico Governor Amid Controversy

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a pardon for Wanda Vázquez, former Puerto Rico Governor, who pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation.
Vázquez was indicted in 2022 under Biden administration for allegedly financing her 2020 campaign through a bribery scheme.
A White House official said the prosecution was politically motivated and began after she endorsed Trump in 2020.
The pardon is part of Trump's clemency actions during his second term.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a pardon for Wanda Vázquez, former Puerto Rico Governor, who pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation.
Vázquez was indicted in 2022 under Biden administration for allegedly financing her 2020 campaign through a bribery scheme.
A White House official said the prosecution was politically motivated and began after she endorsed Trump in 2020.
The pardon is part of Trump's clemency actions during his second term.