US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year over accepting approximately $600,000 (£478,000) in bribes.
On social media, Trump stated he would issue a full and unconditional pardon for Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who was similarly implicated. Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over! Trump wrote.
Trump claimed Cuellar faced charges from former President Joe Biden for his vocal opposition to 'Open Borders'. Cuellar and his wife, who both posted bail after being charged, maintain their innocence.
Earlier on Wednesday, Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat, quelling rumors that he might switch to the Republican Party, enhancing their slim majority in the House.
The Biden administration’s Department of Justice had accused Cuellar of receiving illicit funds from an Azerbaijani oil company and a Mexican bank, allegedly in exchange for influencing US foreign policy to benefit the Azerbaijani government and advocating for the Mexican bank. According to the indictment, funds were laundered through Cuellar's wife’s businesses for various personal expenses.
Despite being a Democrat, Cuellar's views often align more closely with conservative principles, particularly on issues such as abortion, where he has been dubbed the last pro-life Democrat. Cuellar's family also suggested that his firm stance on immigration might have contributed to his legal troubles.
In the same week, Trump has also pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who faced drug trafficking charges, and commuted the sentence of David Gentile, a former investment manager convicted of fraud. This trend of pardons and commutations amidst accusations of financial misconduct continues to draw public attention.
