US President Donald Trump has announced his decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who faced serious charges related to bribery. Cuellar was accused last year of accepting approximately $600,000 (£478,000) in illicit payments. In a post on social media, Trump expressed his support for the Texas representative and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who was also implicated in the case. "Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over!" Trump wrote.
In his statement, Trump suggested that Cuellar was targeted by former President Joe Biden due to his outspoken views against Open Borders. Cuellar and his wife, who had posted bail following their charges, continue to assert their innocence. On the same day of the announcement, Cuellar filed to run for re-election as a Democrat, dispelling rumors that he might switch parties to bolster the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
The indictment from Biden's Department of Justice accused Cuellar, who has served Texas' 28th congressional district since 2005, of illicitly receiving funds from an oil company owned by the Azerbaijani government and a Mexican bank. In exchange for these payments, Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence U.S. foreign policy to favor Azerbaijan and support measures beneficial to the Mexican bank.
According to the indictment, companies owned by Imelda Cuellar are accused of laundering the funds, which were reportedly used to settle debts and make various purchases. These included $58,000 (£46,000) in credit card payments, $18,000 at wholesale retailers, and $12,000 for a custom gown.
The couple faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violations of laws against acting as agents of a foreign entity. Despite being a Democrat, Cuellar's political views often align more closely with conservative positions, particularly on issues such as abortion, where he has been described as the last pro-life Democrat. "My faith is clear: abortion must be rare and safe," he has previously stated.
Cuellar's daughters have voiced their belief that their father's commitment to immigration reform may have contributed to his legal troubles. They stated that their father has always advocated for secure borders and suggested that his integrity might be the reason behind his indictment. Trump echoed this sentiment on Truth Social, asserting that Biden targeted Cuellar and his wife simply for speaking the truth.
This pardon marks Trump's third act of clemency within the week. Earlier, he pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in March 2024 for conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S. and possession of machine guns. Additionally, Trump commuted the sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was serving a seven-year prison term for fraud.
Throughout his second term, Trump has continued to exercise his presidential power to grant pardons and commutations, particularly focusing on individuals convicted of various financial crimes and fraud.