Trump Pardons Democrat Accused of Bribery and Money Laundering

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, a Democrat who had been accused of bribery, foreign influence, and money laundering. Trump took to Truth Social to assert that Cuellar was a target of a politically motivated justice system. In his post, Trump stated, "Corrupt Joe Biden used the FBI and DOJ to take down a member of his own party after the highly respected Congressman Henry Cuellar spoke out against open borders and the Biden administrations border disaster." He added, Sleepy Joe went after the Congressman and even his wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the truth.

Earlier, the Department of Justice had charged Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, alleging they received approximately $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities: an Azerbaijani government-owned oil and gas company and a Mexican bank.

Trump continued, "Given these facts, I am announcing my full and unconditional pardon of Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda. Henry, though we haven't met, sleep easy tonightyour ordeal is finally over!

Despite being set to face bribery charges in April 2026, Cuellar was still predicted to retain his district, having narrowly defeated progressive candidate Jessica Cisneros in 2022. This is an ongoing story.

Author: Lucas Grant