Exclusive: Trump Defends Pardoning Texas Congressman Linked to Bribery Case Over Border Policy Comments

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday staunchly defended his decision to issue full pardons to Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda, framing their release from federal bribery charges as a victimless act against political foes. In a press briefing at the White House, Trump dismissed the severity of any alleged wrongdoing by the couple while amplifying accusations that the case was politically motivated.

Cuellar—a Texas Democrat known for past critiques of open-border policies—was indicted last year alongside his wife on multiple counts of bribery tied to financial dealings with an Azerbaijan-linked energy company and a foreign bank. The allegations suggest improper political favors were exchanged, though the couple maintains innocence. Their trial is scheduled for April 2026.

Trump’s remarks downplayed the gravity of their case, focusing instead on perceived hypocrisy within opposing political parties. “He was treated very badly because he said that people should not be allowed to pour into our country,” Trump claimed, adding that the couple possessed “nothing bad” and accusing them of being unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

The president further characterized the situation as a direct attack from his Democratic adversaries against one of their own—a narrative consistent with previous uses of pardons. “I bet he gets indicted, and that’s what happened,” Trump noted dismissively. He insisted this was an example of “the system working,” not political persecution.

“This is just politics coming back at us,” Trump observed as the press conference concluded. The administration has repeatedly framed high-profile cases involving its political opponents as evidence of a biased judiciary weaponized for partisan purposes.