Trump Pardons Former Puerto Rican Governor Amid Controversy

Former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez Garced, indicted for federal corruption, receives a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. Accusations of political prosecution arise as the pardon also covers her co-defendants. The move is part of Trump's trend of granting pardons to political allies and white-collar criminals.

U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Wanda Vazquez Garced, the former Governor of Puerto Rico, who was indicted last year on federal corruption charges. This decision was confirmed by an official from the White House on Friday, sparking debate on political motives.

Vazquez, arrested in August 2022 on charges of bribery linked to the financing of her 2020 gubernatorial campaign, was described by a White House official as a victim of 'political prosecution.' Her co-defendants, Julio Martin Herrera Velutini and Mark Rossini, also received pardons.

Since taking office last year, Trump has issued numerous pardons, notably to white-collar criminals and political allies, reflecting a controversial pattern of executive clemency.

(With inputs from agencies.)