U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, abruptly ending a federal prosecution that could have sent the Texas lawmaker to prison for decades. The move clears a political opponent who was under indictment for allegedly accepting nearly $600,000 (approx. KES 77 million) in bribes.

The pardon short-circuits a dramatic legal battle that began in 2022 with an FBI raid on Cuellar's home and office. For Kenyans, this event is a powerful illustration of executive power in one of the world's oldest democracies, where a president can single-handedly wipe clean the legal slate of an opponent, raising complex questions about justice and political strategy.

The Heart of the Accusation

The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Cuellar and his wife in May 2024 on a dozen charges, including conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering. Prosecutors alleged the couple accepted roughly KES 77 million between 2014 and 2021 from two foreign entities: a state-owned oil and gas company from Azerbaijan and a bank based in Mexico City.

In exchange for the funds, which were allegedly laundered through sham consulting contracts to shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, the congressman was accused of using his powerful position to:

• Influence U.S. foreign policy in favour of Azerbaijan.
• Insert language beneficial to the oil-rich nation in key legislation.
• Pressure executive branch officials on banking policies that would help the Mexican bank.

Throughout the ordeal, Congressman Cuellar, who has served in the U.S. House since 2005, maintained his innocence.

A Calculated Political Gamble

Trump announced the pardon on his Truth Social platform, alleging the prosecution was a politically motivated attack by the previous Biden administration. He claimed Cuellar, a moderate Democrat known for criticizing his own party's border policies, was targeted for speaking out. "Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!" Trump wrote.

The decision has baffled many, as it effectively neutralizes a key Republican attack line against a vulnerable Democrat in a competitive district. However, it also allows Trump to portray himself as a figure who transcends partisan politics, punishing what he describes as a "weaponized" justice system.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Cuellar thanked the president. "This decision clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas," he noted. "This pardon gives us a clean slate. The noise is gone. The work remains."