US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a full pardon for Congressman Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat embroiled in a federal bribery and money-laundering case that had overshadowed his bid for re-election in 2024.
Cuellar, one of the most conservative Democrats in the U.S. House, managed to secure an 11th term despite facing serious allegations. Prosecutors claimed he and his wife, Imelda, accepted nearly $600,000 in payments funneled through shell companies associated with an Azerbaijan-backed business and a bank based in Mexico City. The indictment, issued in May, accused the couple of laundering these funds through entities managed by family members.
In a scathing post on Truth Social, Trump characterized the pardon as a response to what he called politically motivated prosecutions. He accused Democrats of manipulating the justice system to target their opponents. “Because of these facts, and others, I am granting a full and unconditional pardon to Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar and to Imelda,” Trump stated, adding, “Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight-your nightmare is finally over.”
Cuellar, who previously served eight terms in the Texas legislature before joining Congress in 2004, has generally been seen as a centrist Democrat. However, the recent indictment left him vulnerable, as he fought to maintain his political record while seeking another term.
As of now, the Justice Department has not publicly commented on the ramifications of Trump’s presidential pardon for the broader case against Cuellar.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/donald-trump-pardons-democratic-congressman-henry-cuellar-10400728/
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Publish Date: 2025-12-03 22:12:00
