The Armenian Council of America (ACA) expresses deep disappointment and concern over the President’s decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda.
Cuellar and his wife were indicted in May 2024 on federal charges including bribery, money laundering, and foreign influence peddling. According to the Department of Justice, the couple accepted 600,000 dollars in bribes from two foreign linked entities: a major Mexican bank and a petroleum company controlled by the government of Azerbaijan. In return, Cuellar allegedly used his congressional position to advance policies favorable to both entities.
Their trial was scheduled to begin in April.
ACA believes this decision sets a dangerous precedent. It risks sending the message that public officials can be bought by foreign governments and then avoid meaningful scrutiny, bypassing the judicial process entirely and weakening the democratic integrity of the United States.
ACA calls on Congress to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding this pardon and to strengthen safeguards against foreign political influence. We also reaffirm our commitment to advocating for transparency, defending United States and Armenia relations, and countering the malign activities of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the United States.
The American people deserve leaders who uphold ethical standards, protect national interests, and remain free from foreign interference.
