President Trump pardons Texas Democrat Rep. Cuellar for federal charges

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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 30: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) speaks about southern border safety and unlawful immigration, throughout a press convention on the U.S. Capitol on July 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. Cuellar urged the Biden administration to form up

WASHINGTON – The Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his spouse of Texas have been pardoned federal charges of bribery and conspiracy by President Donald Trump.

Trump introduced the pardon social media website together with a letter from the Cuellar’s daughters asking for leniency from the couple.

Trump pardons Cuellar

What we all know:

The Cuellars had been charged with federal bribery and conspiracy costs imposed through the Biden administration.

Trump, a Republican, accused Biden of concentrating on Democrats “just because they spoke the TRUTH.” He claimed the couple criticized Biden’s border insurance policies, prompting Biden to file unfair costs.

Henry Cuellar, 69, and his spouse, Imelda, had been accused of taking almost $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani-controlled vitality firm and a financial institution in Mexico. In return, Cuellar allegedly agreed to symbolize the nation’s and financial institution’s pursuits within the U.S., the indictment mentioned.

The Cuellars have maintained their innocence because the allegations had been made in 2024. The trial towards the couple would begin in April subsequent yr.

Alongside along with his Reality Social publish, Trump included a letter, apparently from the Cuellars’ daughters, requesting that the consultant and his spouse be acquitted of their costs.

What they are saying:

Cuellar launched the next assertion on Trump’s pardon:

“I need to thank President Trump for his nice management and for taking the time to have a look at the details. I thank God for supporting my household and me throughout this troublesome time. This determination clears the air and permits us to maneuver ahead towards South Texas. This pardon provides us a clear slate. The noise is gone. The work stays. And I plan to hit it full steam forward. Thanks, Mr. President, God bless you, and God bless the US of America America.”

Texas Rep. Cuellar indicted

The backstory:

The Cuellars had been charged and brought into custody in Might 2024 in reference to a U.S. Division of Justice investigation into ties between U.S. enterprise leaders and the previous Soviet republic of Azerbaijan.

Cuellar was accused, amongst different issues, of agreeing to affect laws favorable to Azerbaijan and making a pro-Azerbaijani speech within the US Home of Representatives.

“Every part I did in Congress was to serve the individuals of South Texas,” Cuellar mentioned. “Earlier than taking any motion, I proactively sought authorized recommendation from the Home Ethics Committee, which supplied me with a couple of written opinion, together with a further opinion from a nationwide legislation agency.

The funds to the couple had been made by way of a Texas-based shell firm owned by Imelda Cuellar and two of the couple’s kids, the indictment mentioned. That firm obtained funds from the Azerbaijani vitality firm of $25,000 per 30 days underneath a “sham contract,” allegedly in alternate for unspecified strategic consulting and advisory providers.

Cuellar was as soon as the co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.

Who’s Consultant Cuellar?

Dig deeper:

Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar has served as U.S. Consultant since 2004 in Texas District 28, which extends south from San Antonio to Laredo.

Cuellar served within the Texas Home from 1987 to 2001, together with a short stint as Texas Secretary of State in 2001. He’s the latest Democrat to carry a statewide political place in Texas.