WASHINGTON (AP) – Former President Donald Trump on Friday granted a full pardon to U.S. rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat recently indicted on federal corruption charges. The pardon comes as Cuellar faces an ongoing ethics investigation in the House and raises questions about the intersection of political allegiance and justice.
Cuellar, 70, was indicted in May on allegations of accepting bribes from an Azerbaijani oil company and a Mexican bank. He maintains his innocence.The House Ethics Committee launched its own investigation shortly after the indictment, coordinating with the Justice Department to avoid conflicts with the criminal probe.
Trump’s decision echoes a previous pardon granted in February to former illinois gov. Rod blagojevich, also convicted on corruption charges. In both instances, Trump alluded to potential political motivations behind the charges against the Democrats, suggesting New York City Mayor Eric Adams could face similar scrutiny for criticizing President Biden’s immigration policies. While Trump did not pardon adams, the Justice Department under his governance later dropped a federal case against the mayor after he began collaborating with the Republican administration on immigration issues.
A Justice Department official who previously served as Trump’s defense attorney was involved in the decision to drop the case against Adams.Cuellar has served in Congress for over two decades, representing a district along the Texas-Mexico border, and is known for his moderate stances, often diverging from his party on issues like immigration and firearms. he has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s border policies and opposes abortion rights.