President Donald Trump on Wednesday granted a complete and unconditional pardon to Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife, Imelda, ending a federal prosecution that the president characterized as politically motivated.
Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, alleging that the Biden administration had targeted Cuellar after the congressman criticized the administration's border policies. The president described the prosecution as an example of weaponizing the justice system against political opponents, even those within the Democratic Party.
The pardon comes after Cuellar publicly opposed what he termed the Biden administration's approach to border security. In early 2024, the congressman warned Democrats that immigration would become a critical issue in that year's elections. Representing a district along the southern border that is approximately 80% Hispanic and heavily Democratic, Cuellar said polling showed Americans were dissatisfied with border conditions and urged President Biden to address security concerns for his own political benefit.
Federal prosecutors had charged Cuellar and his wife in May 2024 with accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan energy company and a Mexican financial institution. According to the Justice Department, the funds were allegedly laundered through shell companies controlled by Imelda Cuellar under consulting arrangements that involved minimal legitimate work. Prosecutors claimed the congressman agreed to use his position to influence American foreign policy toward Azerbaijan and to benefit the Mexican bank through legislative actions and pressure on executive branch officials.
Following Trump's announcement, Cuellar expressed gratitude for what he called the president's leadership and attention to the facts of his case. He thanked supporters and stated the pardon allows him and his family to move forward, enabling him to focus on representing South Texas without distractions.
Trump's social media post included a letter apparently from Cuellar's daughters requesting clemency. The letter portrayed their parents as devoted public servants who dedicated their lives to their community and country, asking the president to show mercy so the family could heal and their parents could enjoy their later years peacefully.
