President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a “full and unconditional” pardon for Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, wiping away federal bribery charges that stemmed from a 2024 indictment.
Trump used the announcement to accuse the Biden administration of weaponizing federal law enforcement, claiming the Cuellars were targeted for opposing Biden’s border policies.
I want to thank President Trump for his tremendous leadership and for taking the time to look at the facts. I thank God for standing with my family and I during this difficult time. This decision clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas.
— Rep. Henry Cuellar (@RepCuellar) December 3, 2025
This pardon gives us a… pic.twitter.com/ajNvHq6rG0
Cuellar, who has long denied wrongdoing, thanked Trump on X and said the pardon allows him to return to work without distraction.
Cuellar had been charged with accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities between 2014 and 2021. The congressman remains a key Democratic survivor in South Texas, repeatedly winning a district that has trended toward Republicans.
GOP leaders had hoped to flip his seat in 2026, though the district’s new court-disputed map remains unresolved. Trump also released a November letter from Cuellar’s daughters urging clemency.
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TIPP Staff
