For Republicans, the decision probably came out of nowhere: US President Donald Trump pardoned a Democrat. That could have been the reason.
Dec 4, 2025, 3:19 p.mDec 4, 2025, 3:19 p.m
Nilofar Breuer / t-online
This letter apparently flattered Donald Trump: About three weeks ago, on November 12, 2025, the daughters of Democratic Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar turned to the US President with an emotional request to pardon their father and mother.
“We write to you simply as two daughters – two women who love their parents,” wrote Christina and Catherine Cuellar. They describe “nightmares,” “sleepless nights” and “worried mornings” since their father was indicted in May 2024 under the administration of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden.
Henry Cuellar was impeached by Joe Biden’s administration in 2024.image: keystone
Since then, Cuellar has been accused of bribery, money laundering, conspiracy and unauthorized influence for the benefit of foreign interests. According to the US Department of Justice, the amount is around 600,000 US dollars (around 514,000 euros).
In the letter, the daughters now ask Trump “from the bottom of their hearts” and “humbly” for mercy – either by dropping the lawsuit or with a pardon.
Henry Cuellar’s two daughters, Christina and Catherine. screenshot: instagram @repcuellar
Trump responds: “completely and unconditionally”
Now Trump is taking action. On his “Truth Social” platform, the US President wrote on Wednesday that he hereby announced his “full and unconditional PARENCY of the beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar and Imelda.” Trump added:
“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep peacefully tonight – your nightmare is finally over!”
Donald Trump
This case probably offered Trump another opportunity to criticize the policies of his predecessor Biden. Because the post said in advance: “For years, the Biden administration has used the justice system as a weapon against its political opponents and everyone who disagreed with it.” He later wrote: “Sleepy Joe went against the Congressman and even his wonderful wife Imelda just because they were telling the TRUTH.” He also once again described Democrats as “radical left” and an “absolute threat to democracy.”
The daughters of Democrat Henry Cuellar turned to US President Donald Trump with a request.Image: EPA POOL
Competitor is back in the race
This decision again poses a puzzle for Republicans. As the US media CNN reports, the Democrat with his atypical positions in his congressional district in Texas is considered a strong competitor for Trump’s party. Cuellar, who was first elected in 2004, is one of the most conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives.
Cuellar himself was also surprised. He told CNN on Wednesday evening that he had not reached an agreement with the White House to obtain the pardon. He “didn’t know that would happen.”