Trump Announces Pardon for Former Congressman Convicted in Bribery Case

Former U.S. President Donald Trump says he will issue a pardon for ex-Texas Representative Henry Cuellar. The pardon will be "full and unconditional" for both Cuellar and his wife, who were convicted in a federal bribery case. A federal jury found Cuellar guilty earlier this year. Prosecutors said he accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani oil company and a Mexican bank. Trump announced the planned pardon on his social media platform. He did not specify when the formal pardon documents would be issued. A presidential pardon forgives a federal crime and restores certain rights. Cuellar, a Democrat, served nine terms in Congress. He lost his re-election bid following the conviction. The Justice Department, which prosecuted the case, has not commented on Trump's statement.