Cuellar Accuses Justice Department of Political Weaponization
In a recent “special report,” Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, criticized the Justice Department under President Biden, suggesting that prosecutions have been politically motivated, particularly following President Donald Trump’s pardons.
Cuellar remarked, “I spoke out against the Biden administration about open borders… and it definitely got weaponized,” during an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier.
Trump announced on Wednesday that he would grant a “full and unconditional” pardon to Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who are facing bribery and money laundering charges.
Cuellar Expresses Gratitude for Pardons
Cuellar expressed his appreciation for Trump’s decision, stating, “I would like to thank President Trump for granting me clemency. God has been good to my wife, my family… I’ll definitely say it again, thank you, President Trump.”
Federal authorities have accused the couple of accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes from entities abroad, including an Azerbaijani state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank, over a seven-year period.
In May 2024, the Cuellars were indicted on multiple charges, including bribery and conspiracy. They have consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
Cuellar claims he secured legal and ethics approvals before proceeding with any work, and he expressed empathy for Trump’s legal struggles as the former president campaigns for 2024. “I really felt for him with some of the charges that they brought against him. I think it was very unfair… I don’t want anyone to experience this kind of weaponization,” he explained.
Justice Department Accusations
The Justice Department has also accused Cuellar of acting as a foreign agent on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.
When asked by Baier about the history of presidential pardons, Cuellar did not delve into specifics, simply stating, “I’m not going to second-guess the president other than to say thank you, President Trump.”
Cuellar has represented Texas’ 28th Congressional District since 2005, a region heavily impacted by immigration issues along the Rio Grande.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized Biden’s border policies and expressed support for Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s initiative to relocate migrants to major U.S. cities during Biden’s administration.
Cuellar’s Political Future
Cuellar has confirmed his intention to run for re-election in 2026, although the race is anticipated to be competitive. He identifies as a “conservative Democrat” but plans to stay within the party and support its bid to regain the House.
“There are some liberal Democrats who don’t believe in bipartisanship, so that’s going to continue to be a problem for me,” Cuellar noted. “I work with Republicans.”
He added, “I think I’m voting better than some of the Republicans in the caucus.”
Having won re-election last year by over 10,000 votes, mere months after his indictment, Cuellar contemplates the electoral mix that benefited him: “The reason I win my election is because I got the independents and the modern Republicans who blended it. And I’ll get it again,” he asserted.
