Trump issues pardon to Democratic Rep Henry Cuellar and wife after bribery allegations

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, December 3, that he was pardoning Rep Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and his wife Imelda, wiping away federal bribery and money laundering charges that stemmed from a sweeping 2024 indictment.

In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Democrats of using prosecutions to “attack, rob, lie, cheat, destroy, and decimate anyone who dares to oppose their Far Left Agenda,” before declaring his pardon.

“Because of these facts, and others, I am hereby announcing my full and unconditional PARDON of beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, and Imelda,” Trump wrote. “Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!”

Cuellar responded on X, thanking Trump “for his tremendous leadership” and saying the pardon “gives us a clean slate. The noise is gone. The work remains.”

Henry Cuellar’s daughters appeal to Trump for a pardon

Cuellar’s daughters, Christina and Catherine, wrote a letter to Trump urging him to issue the pardon, arguing that their father’s “independence and honesty may have contributed to how this case began.”

“When you and your family faced your own challenges, we understood that pain in a very human way,” they wrote, offering prayers for Trump and emphasizing the human toll behind political battles. Trump posted their letter on Truth Social.

Cuellar’s attorneys and the Justice Department declined to comment Wednesday. He faces a newly Republican-leaning district after Texas’ 2025 redistricting.

Indictment details alleged sham contracts and shell companies

The Justice Department charged Cuellar and his wife in May 2024 with 14 counts, including bribery, wire fraud and money laundering.

Prosecutors alleged that the couple accepted at least $598,000 in bribes from two foreign entities in exchange for Cuellar performing official acts on their behalf.

According to the indictment, money was allegedly funneled through sham consulting contracts and shell companies controlled by Imelda Cuellar, who reportedly did “little or no legitimate work.”

Prosecutors said Cuellar allegedly agreed to use the “power and prestige of his office” to advance the interests of Azerbaijan and an unnamed foreign bank. Both Cuellars pleaded not guilty.

A judge in September rejected Cuellar’s attempt to dismiss the case on constitutional grounds, ruling that he was not immune under the speech and debate clause.

Two operatives tied to Cuellar, former campaign manager Mina Colin Strother and associate Florencio “Lencho” Rendon pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to commit money laundering and agreed to cooperate.