President Trump Pardons Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar Amid Bribery and Conspiracy Charges

Presidential Pardon Issued

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a full and unconditional pardon for U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo, Texas) and his wife, Imelda Cuellar. This action effectively concludes a multi-year federal legal battle against the couple, who were facing charges of bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy.

Details of the Indictment

The indictment, unsealed in May 2024, alleged that Representative Cuellar and his wife accepted approximately $600,000 in bribes. These payments reportedly originated from two foreign entities: an oil and gas company wholly owned by the Government of Azerbaijan and a bank headquartered in Mexico City. Prosecutors contended that the bribe money was laundered through sham consulting contracts and shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar. In exchange for these payments, Representative Cuellar was accused of agreeing to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and to affect legislative activity beneficial to the Mexican bank. The alleged scheme is said to have taken place between December 2014 and at least November 2021. The couple had maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. Their trial had been scheduled to begin in April 2026.

Trump's Rationale and Cuellar's Response

President Trump announced the pardon via social media, asserting that the prosecution of the Cuellars was a result of a 'weaponized' Department of Justice under former President Joe Biden. Trump claimed that Representative Cuellar was targeted for his outspoken criticism of the Biden administration's border policy. In response to the pardon, Representative Cuellar expressed gratitude, stating, 'I want to thank President Trump for his tremendous leadership and for taking the time to look at the facts.' He added that the decision 'clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas,' and provides a 'clean slate.'

Political Context and Implications

Henry Cuellar, a conservative Democrat representing Texas's 28th congressional district, has served in Congress for over two decades. He is known for his moderate stance and has often diverged from his party on issues such as immigration and abortion rights. The pardon comes at a significant time, as Cuellar filed for re-election on the same day it was issued. This clemency action is part of a broader pattern of pardons issued by President Trump, which have included other high-profile individuals and those involved in the January 6 events.