U.S. Congressman Thanks Trump for Unexpected Pardon
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A U.S. lawmaker has publicly thanked former President Donald Trump for a surprise pardon. The pardon clears Representative Henry Cuellar of federal charges.
Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, faced accusations of accepting $600,000 in bribes. Prosecutors alleged the bribes came from the government of Azerbaijan.
The pardon occurred while Cuellar is campaigning for re-election. He stated the decision from the former president was unexpected.
A presidential pardon is an executive order that forgives a federal crime. It restores a person's civil rights but does not erase the court record.