In brief
President Donald Trump has pledged to issue a 'full and unconditional' pardon to Congressman Henry Cuellar, recently indicted for accepting bribes. Cuellar, who has maintained his innocence, filed for re-election, defying speculation about a potential party switch. Trump's pardon follows Cuellar's and his wife's charges related to bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering connected to foreign influence.
US President Donald Trump has said he will pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year with accepting around $600,000 (£478,000) in bribes.
On social media, Trump stated he would issue a 'full and unconditional' pardon for the Texas representative and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, also charged in the case.
Trump expressed his support: 'Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over!'
The president added that Cuellar faced charges from former President Joe Biden due to his vocal criticism of open border policies. Cuellar and his wife, who posted bail following their charges, assert their innocence.
Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat, quelling rumors of a party switch to benefit the Republican majority in the House.
The Department of Justice, under Biden, alleged that Cuellar received illicit funds from an Azerbaijani government oil company and a Mexican bank.
In return for the money, Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence US foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and advocate for measures benefiting the Mexican bank.
Imelda Cuellar's companies are accused of laundering these funds, which the family reportedly used to pay off debts, including credit card payments, wholesale purchases, and a custom gown.
The couple was charged with conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violating laws against acting as agents for a foreign entity.
Despite being a Democrat, Cuellar is considered conservative, particularly on issues like abortion. His daughters suggested that his stances on immigration may have contributed to his legal troubles, citing their father's commitment to border security.
This pardon marks Trump's third act of clemency this week, following the pardoning of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández and commuting the sentence of investment manager David Gentile.
