Trump's Controversial Pardon for Congressman Cuellar in Bribery Case

Thu Dec 04 2025 21:55:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

US President Donald Trump's unexpected announcement of a pardon for Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, charged with bribery, raises questions about political motivations and ongoing tensions within party lines.

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump declared his intention to grant a full pardon to Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who faces serious bribery charges linked to a $600,000 scheme. This decision has sparked debate over the potential political motivations behind the pardon, as Cuellar has positioned himself as a moderate voice against the Biden administration's policies. While Cuellar maintains his innocence, this act marks a significant moment in US politics amidst ongoing controversies regarding party affiliations and legal accountability.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year with accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes.

On social media, Trump indicated he would issue a full and unconditional pardon for Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who has also faced charges in the case. Trump expressed support for Cuellar, stating, Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over!.

Trump further suggested that Cuellar's indictment was politically motivated, commenting that it was a response to Cuellar's outspoken views against 'Open Borders'. Both Cuellars have maintained their innocence amidst the allegations.

This morning, Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat, putting to rest rumors that he might switch parties to strengthen the Republican majority in the House. The indictment from Biden's Department of Justice charged Cuellar with accepting illicit payments from an Azerbaijani state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank, allegedly in exchange for influencing US foreign policy.

The couple has been accused of using the money inappropriately, with allegations of payments on credit cards, at wholesale stores, and even for personal purchases including a custom gown. Their charges include conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violations of laws pertaining to foreign agents.

Notably, Cuellar has historically positioned himself as a moderate within a party often leaning left, advocating for pro-life measures and securing the US-Mexico border. Cuellar's daughters expressed concerns that their father's immigration stance contributed to his legal troubles, a sentiment echoed by Trump who described the situation as a form of retribution from the Biden administration for speaking the truth.

This pardon marks Trump's third act of clemency this week, also including the pardon of former Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández and the commutation of the sentence for former investment manager David Gentile, reflecting a trend of clemency towards those implicated in financial crimes under Trump's administration.