Trump to pardon ex-Puerto Rico governor Vázquez in campaign finance case, official says

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by By DARLENE SUPERVILLEJanuary 16, 2026 at 08:23 PM

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Former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez is expected to receive a pardon from President Trump for her campaign finance violation conviction. Vázquez pleaded guilty in August to accepting a promise of a campaign contribution that was never received, a case involving a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker. Her sentencing was scheduled for later this month, with prosecutors seeking a year in prison. Trump's decision is based on the belief that the case was a politically motivated prosecution, noting the investigation began shortly after Vázquez endorsed him in 2020. Vázquez, the first former governor of the U.S. territory to plead guilty to a crime, was accused of accepting a donation from a foreigner for her 2020 campaign. The planned pardon has been condemned by some, including Puerto Rico's representative in Congress, who argues it undermines public integrity.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Venezuela 30% Mark Rossini 30% Popular Democratic Party 30% Julio Martín Herrera Velutini ×240% White House 40% New Progressive Party 40% FBI ×250% Pablo José Hernández ×250% Puerto Rico ×480% Donald Trump ×290% Wanda Vázquez ×9100%

Keywords

pardon 100% campaign finance violation 90% wanda vázquez 90% puerto rico 80% donald trump 70% political prosecution 60% fraud 50% guilty plea 50% bribery 50% corruption 40%