Trump Grants Pardon to Rep. Henry Cuellar

On December 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is granting a “full and unconditional pardon” to Texas Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda. This comes after the couple faced bribery charges last year.

The pardon addresses federal allegations of bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy brought against them in May 2024, related to accusations of accepting nearly $600,000 from foreign entities. Originally, their trial was set for April 2026, but this pardon prevents that and clears them of the charges without admitting any wrongdoing.

In July 2024, Cuellar was among six Democrats who sided with every House Republican in condemning then-Vice President Kamala Harris for not effectively managing the situation at the Southern Border. Cuellar’s vote showed his bipartisan stance, which perhaps contributed to the political tension surrounding him.

In his announcement, Trump emphasized Cuellar’s opposition to the Biden administration’s immigration policies as a significant factor for the pardon, labeling the indictment as a politically charged maneuver by the Justice Department.

“I am hereby announcing my full and unconditional PARDON of beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, and Imelda,” Trump stated in his post.

He claimed, “For years, the Biden administration weaponized the justice system against their political opponents,” adding that Cuellar was targeted for speaking out against open borders.

In March 2024, Cuellar and his wife were accused of taking payments from an oil company linked to the Azerbaijan government and a Mexican bank. He faced multiple charges, including bribery and conspiracy. However, in August, a judge dismissed two of those charges at the request of prosecutors, and the trial had yet to happen.

Trump also included a letter from Cuellar’s daughters, who appealed for the pardon. They mentioned that their father’s “independence and honesty” might have played a role in the investigation, which had severely impacted the family’s emotional and financial well-being.

“With all our hearts, we humbly ask that you show mercy and compassion to our parents — either by dismissing this case or granting a full and unconditional pardon,” their letter pleaded.

Cuellar has represented his district in Congress for over two decades, covering areas from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border.

“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” Trump concluded.