On December 3, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday to “completely and unconditionally pardon” Democratic federal congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda from Texas, who were previously charged with bribery. Cuellar had denied the accusations, with Trump stating that they were targeted for retaliation for speaking the truth.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced the pardon for the couple, condemning the Biden administration for weaponizing the justice system. In Trump’s view, during the Biden administration, Cuellar bravely opposed the open border and what he described as Biden’s “disastrous” border policies. Both Cuellar and his wife faced consequences solely for speaking the truth, according to Trump.
“I hereby announce that I completely and unconditionally pardon the beloved Texas (federal) congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda. Henry, I don’t know you, but tonight you can rest assured that your nightmare is finally over!” said Trump.
The Cuellar couple was accused last year of receiving nearly $600,000 in bribes in two cases aimed at benefiting a state-owned energy company in Azerbaijan and an unnamed bank in Mexico.
Cuellar has maintained his and his wife’s innocence. He was first elected as a congressman in 2004 and is known as a moderate Democrat.
In response to President Trump’s pardon, Cuellar expressed gratitude on social media platform X, stating, “I want to thank President Trump for his outstanding leadership and for taking the time to look at the facts. I thank God for being with me and my family during this difficult time. This decision clarifies the truth, allowing us to continue serving the people of South Texas.”
“This pardon gives us a fresh start. The noise (referring to controversy and criticism) may have quieted down, but the work still lies ahead. I will rise to the challenge,” he said. “Thank you, Mr. President, may God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”
In January 2024, Cuellar urged Biden to end the “catch and release” policy for undocumented immigrants, which led to millions of illegal immigrants flooding into the US.
“We need penalties at the border,” he told Fox News at the time. “This ‘catch and release’… it’s an enticement for illegal immigrants.”
Prior to this, Cuellar had repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with Biden’s border policies and urged him to address the border crisis. In early May 2024, this Texas federal congressman was indicted on charges of money laundering, bribery, and other offenses.