Trump says he is pardoning Democratic congressman in bribery case

US President Donald Trump said he would pardon Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year with accepting bribes worth about $600,000 (£478,000).

Trump said on social media that he would issue a “full and unconditional” pardon to the Texas state representative and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who is also accused in the case.

“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight – your nightmare is finally over!” The Republican president wrote.

He added that he believes former President Joe Biden impeached Cuellar because he “courageously spoke out against open borders.” Cuellar and his wife, who posted bail after being charged, insist they are innocent.

Cuellar on Wednesday morning filed for re-election as a Democrat, quashing speculation that he may be about to switch parties and consolidate Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.

The Biden Justice Department alleged that Cuellar, who has represented Texas’ 28th Congressional District since 2005, illegally received money from an Azerbaijani government-owned oil company and a Mexican bank.

The indictment alleged that Cuellar, in exchange for money, agreed to influence US foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan — and to advocate for measures that would benefit the Bank of Mexico City.

Companies owned by Imelda Cuellar allegedly laundered money, which the family used to pay off debts and make purchases.

They included $58,000 (£46,000) in credit card payments, $18,000 in wholesale stores, and $12,000 for a custom dress, the indictment said.

The couple faced charges of conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering and violating the ban on acting as agents of a foreign organization.

Although a Democrat, Cuellar’s politics lie to the right of many members of his party.

He has been called “the last pro-life Democrat” for his moderate stance on abortion.

“My belief is clear: abortion should be rare and safe,” he has said in the past.

In a letter to Trump, Cuellar’s daughters also said they believed their father’s stance on immigration may have led to his arrest.

They wrote that their father believed in “secure borders” and that his “independence and honesty” may have been the reason he was charged.

Trump seems to agree, saying on Truth Social that Biden “went after the congressman, and even the congressman’s wonderful wife, Imelda, just for telling the truth.”

This is Trump’s third clemency action this week.

He pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in March 2024 of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and possession of machine guns.

On Monday, Trump also commuted the sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who had served just days in prison for a seven-year sentence for fraud.

So far, in his second term, the President has pardoned or commuted the sentences of several people convicted of various types of fraud or financial crimes.