Trump Pardons Rep. Henry Cuellar in Bribery Case
Washington — President Donald Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar and wife on Wednesday, ending a multiyear federal case. Cuellar was indicted in 2024 on 12 counts, including bribery, money laundering and conspiracy, after a 2022 FBI raid tied to an Azerbaijan probe. Prosecutors alleged nearly $600,000 in payments from an Azerbaijan-linked energy company and a Mexican bank. Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, accusing Justice Department under President Biden of weaponization. NBC and CBS reported the development and sought comment from Cuellar’s office. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Timeline
- 2022: FBI raided Rep. Henry Cuellar’s home and office in an investigation tied to Azerbaijan.
- 2024: A federal grand jury indicted Cuellar and his wife on 12 counts including bribery, money laundering and conspiracy.
- 2024: Indictment alleges approximately $600,000 in payments linked to an Azerbaijan energy interest and a Mexican bank.
- This week: President Trump posted on Truth Social accusing the Justice Department of 'weaponization' in the prosecution.
- Wednesday: President Trump issued full pardons to Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, ending the federal case.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 2
- Neutral:
- 3
- Distribution:
- Left 33%, Center 50%, Right 17%
President Trump and his political allies gained an immediate political narrative advantage by framing the pardon as evidence of alleged Justice Department 'weaponization', and Rep. Henry Cuellar avoided further legal exposure and potential penalties from the federal case.
Federal prosecutors and advocates for independent investigations faced reputational challenges, and the pardon may contribute to declining public confidence in impartial federal prosecutions among interested observers.
After reading and researching latest news.... The pardon terminates Cuellar’s federal prosecution that involved a 2022 FBI raid and a 2024 indictment on 12 counts alleging nearly $600,000 in payments tied to Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank; Trump cited alleged DOJ 'weaponization' in his Truth Social announcement and legal implications.
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