US President Donald Trump has said he will pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged last year with accepting around $600,000 (£478,000) in bribes.
On social media, Trump stated he would issue a 'full and unconditional' pardon for Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who was similarly charged in the case.
'Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight - Your nightmare is finally over!' the Republican president wrote.
Trump suggested that Cuellar was targeted by former President Joe Biden for his 'brave' stance against open borders. The Cuellars, who were released on bail after the charges, assert their innocence.
Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat on Wednesday, quelling rumors of a party switch that could help Republicans maintain their slim majority in the House.
The Justice Department under Biden accused Cuellar, a representative from Texas since 2005, of illicitly receiving funds from an Azerbaijani government-owned oil company and a Mexican bank. In return for the monetary support, the indictment claims he promised to influence US foreign policy to benefit Azerbaijan and the Mexican bank.
The charges against the couple include conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violating regulations against acting as foreign agents. Among the alleged purchases made with the bribe money were significant credit card expenses and personal items.
Though Cuellar is a Democrat, he holds conservative views that have often put him at odds with party line, particularly on issues like abortion.
His daughters have expressed a belief that their father's immigration policies may have led to his legal troubles, highlighting his commitment to border security.
Trump, in alignment with these sentiments, remarked that the Cuellars were prosecuted 'simply for speaking the TRUTH.'
This marks Trump's continuing efforts to use his power to issue clemency in his second term, having already pardoned several individuals convicted of various crimes, including fraud.
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