Vázquez Garced’s Pardon: A Layer of Complexity
Recently, former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced received a pardon from President Donald Trump. However, it’s clear that this pardon doesn’t cover all her legal troubles.
Initially, Vázquez Garced faced serious accusations of bribery related to her 2020 campaign. In August 2025, she pleaded guilty to a lesser campaign finance violation. Interestingly, this guilty plea was filed under a separate court docket, which isn’t mentioned in the pardon paperwork. The White House believes the initial pardon is sufficient, but they’ve decided to draft an additional document for clarity.
Many cases often get assigned new docket numbers when plea deals occur. Vázquez Garced’s situation is part of a larger case with co-defendants, who have already been pardoned, but their cases remain unresolved.
As of now, Vázquez Garced’s 2025 case is still active. A federal judge recently denied a request from her defense team regarding her upcoming sentencing.
Vázquez Garced’s plea deal came about after negotiations involving her lawyers and Justice Department officials. A significant point raised by her team was that the plea stemmed from new evidence they discovered, not from any outside pressure.
Former Justice Department attorney Liz Oyer remarked that the issues surrounding Trump’s pardons often arise from a lack of protocol. She pointed out that ambiguous pardons can lead to confusion in courts, citing examples from previous pardons, including those related to the January 6 incidents.
From a different angle, Ryan Crosswell, a prosecutor in the Vázquez Garced case, expressed disappointment over the pardon, calling it a setback for the rule of law. His sentiments echo a broader concern among some legal experts about the implications of such clemencies.
This case highlights the ongoing debate about accountability and the judicial process. While pardons can offer redemption, they also raise questions about justice for the affected communities.
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