Trump Grants Full Pardon to Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar and Wife

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has granted a "full and unconditional" pardon to U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, and his wife. The President made the surprise announcement in a statement. He directly addressed the congressman, saying, "Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!" A presidential pardon forgives a person for a federal crime and removes many of its consequences. The White House did not immediately provide details on the specific convictions or legal issues the pardon covers for the Cuellars. Congressman Cuellar has served in the House of Representatives since 2005. The pardon for a sitting member of the opposition party is an uncommon historical event.