In a move that has ignited accusations of political retaliation, President Donald Trump has issued full pardons to Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife, Imelda. The announcement, made on Wednesday 3 December 2025, absolves the couple of federal bribery and conspiracy charges they have faced since last year.
Truth Social Announcement Accuses Biden of Weaponisation
President Trump used his Truth Social platform to declare the pardons, framing the action as a direct response to what he termed the political weaponisation of the justice system. He asserted that Congressman Cuellar, a Democrat who has represented Texas's 28th Congressional District since 2005, was targeted by the Biden administration for his critical stance on border policy.
"For years, the Biden Administration weaponized the Justice System against their Political Opponents, and anyone who disagreed with them," Trump wrote. He described the case against Cuellar as a prime example, alleging that "Crooked Joe" used federal agencies to "'take out' a member of his own Party" after the congressman spoke against open borders and the "Biden Border 'Catastrophe.'"
Details of the Case and Trump's Justification
The Department of Justice indicted both Henry and Imelda Cuellar in 2024 on serious charges of bribery and conspiracy. The case had been a significant legal threat to the long-serving congressman. In his post, Trump extended his accusations to the prosecution of Cuellar's wife, claiming the Justice Department "went after the Congressman, and even the Congressman’s wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH."
Offering no personal acquaintance with the congressman, Trump concluded his announcement by stating, "Because of these facts, and others, I am hereby announcing my full and unconditional PARDON of beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, and Imelda. Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!"
Political Repercussions and Broader Context
This pardon is widely seen as an unprecedented act of political theatre, with a sitting president absolving a member of the opposing party. The action immediately fuels debates about the use of presidential pardon powers and accusations of undermining the judicial process for partisan gain. Critics are likely to label it a stark example of what some have dubbed "Biden derangement syndrome"—a retaliatory move aimed squarely at the former president's administration.
The pardon effectively nullifies a major federal prosecution, allowing Representative Cuellar to resume his political career without the cloud of a criminal indictment. However, it raises profound questions about accountability and the intersection of justice and political power in Washington, D.C.
