US President Donald Trump has announced he will pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year with accepting around $600,000 in bribes.
On social media, Trump stated that he would issue a full and unconditional pardon for Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who was also implicated in the case.
Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over! the president wrote.
He suggested that the charges against Cuellar were politically motivated, resulting from his outspoken views against open borders. Cuellar, who has maintained his innocence alongside his wife, filed for re-election as a Democrat shortly after Trump's announcement.
The charges by Biden's Department of Justice alleged that Cuellar received illicit funds from an Azerbaijani government-owned oil company and a Mexican bank, in exchange for influencing US foreign policy.
Cuellar and his wife faced multiple charges, including conspiracy and money laundering, raising further concerns about corruption in US politics.
Interestingly, despite being a Democrat, Cuellar's moderate views have often aligned him more with conservative ideologies, leading to his identification as the last pro-life Democrat in the House.
This action marks one of several recent pardons by Trump, who has issued clemency to other controversial figures within a week.
