President Donald Trump’s recent pardon of former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced has sparked controversy due to the omission of a significant criminal case from the official pardon document. The pardon specifically refers to the charges listed in the case of “United States v. Vazquez-Garced, et al., 3:22-CR-342.” While this case includes bribery accusations tied to Vázquez Garced’s 2020 campaign, it does not encompass a related 2025 misdemeanor campaign finance violation.
Details of the Pardoned Case
The original indictment against Vázquez Garced was filed by the Justice Department in 2022. On August 2025, she accepted a plea deal that led to a conviction for a campaign finance infraction. Notably, this plea agreement was documented under a different case number—3:25-cr-00296—which is absent from the pardon granted by Trump.
Response from the White House
A White House official indicated that the pardon’s scope might require correction. Despite the administration’s confidence that the original document suffices, they plan to issue an additional clarification. It’s important to note that federal cases often adopt new docket numbers following plea negotiations, which can complicate matters of pardon scope.
Current Legal Standing
- The case of Vázquez Garced remains active, despite the pardon.
- Judge Silvia L. Carreño-Coll has denied defense motions regarding her sentencing, scheduled for January 29.
- Co-defendants in the initial case have received pardons, but their cases have not been dismissed.
Implications and Controversies
Ryan Crosswell, the lead prosecutor from the case, criticized the pardon as detrimental to the rule of law, arguing that it undermines justice for the people of Puerto Rico. Additionally, legal experts like Liz Oyer have pointed out that inconsistencies in the pardoning process often lead to interpretational difficulties and ongoing litigation over the intended scope of relief.
Background on Campaign Finances
The plea deal followed extensive discussions involving defense attorneys for Vázquez Garced and her co-defendant, billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini, alongside Justice Department officials. Notably, Herrera Velutini’s daughter had made a substantial donation of $2.5 million to a pro-Trump super PAC in December 2024. This involvement has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest in the pardon process.
The Vázquez Garced case illustrates key issues surrounding the pardoning powers of the presidency, emphasizing the need for clarity and adherence to established protocols. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the complexities arising from this situation.
