US President Donald Trump has declared that he will issue a “full and unconditional” pardon to Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who were charged in 2024 with accepting roughly $600,000 in alleged bribes.
Trump shared the announcement on social media, claiming he doesn’t personally know Cuellar but stating: “You can sleep well tonight — your nightmare is finally over.” He suggested that the charges were politically motivated under President Biden’s administration because Cuellar had been outspoken against open-border policies.
Cuellar, a long-serving Democrat representing Texas’ 28th district since 2005, filed for re-election on Wednesday, shutting down rumors that he might switch parties to support the GOP’s slim House majority.
Background on the Charges
The Justice Department accused Cuellar of receiving illicit payments from:
- An oil company owned by the Azerbaijani government
- A Mexican bank
Prosecutors claimed Cuellar agreed to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and promote policies that would benefit the bank. Allegedly, Imelda Cuellar’s companies were used to launder the funds, which the family then spent on:
- $58,000 in credit card bills
- $18,000 at wholesale retailers
- $12,000 on a custom gown
The couple faced a series of federal charges, including bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and acting as agents for a foreign entity. Both maintain their innocence.
Cuellar’s Political Stance
Though a Democrat, Cuellar is known for his more conservative views. He has been described as one of the last pro-life Democrats, previously stating: “Abortion must be rare and safe.” His daughters wrote to Trump defending their father, asserting that his stricter stance on immigration may have contributed to his prosecution.
Trump echoed this sentiment, saying Biden targeted Cuellar and his wife “for speaking the truth.”
Part of a Week of Clemency
This is Trump’s third major act of clemency this week. He also pardoned:
- Juan Orlando Hernández, former president of Honduras, convicted of drug trafficking
- David Gentile, an investment manager who recently began a seven-year fraud sentence
Throughout his second term, Trump has pardoned or commuted sentences for several individuals convicted of financial crimes and fraud.
