Trump says he is pardoning Democratic congressman in bribery case

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will pardon Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who was accused last year of accepting about $600,000 (£478,000) in bribes.

On social media, Trump announced that he would grant a "full and unconditional" pardon to the Texas representative and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, who was also charged in the case.

"Henry, I don't know you, but you can sleep peacefully tonight. Your nightmare is finally over!" the Republican president wrote.

On Wednesday morning, Cuellar fied for re-election as a Democrat, defying speculation that she might switch parties and bolster the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

The Biden administration's Justice Department alleged that Cuellar, who has represented Texas' 28th congressional district since 2005, received illegal money from an Azerbaijani oil company and a Mexican bank.

The indictment alleged that Cuellar, in return for the money, was willing to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and promote measures that benefited the bank in Mexico City.

Companies owned by Imelda Cuellar are alleged to have laundered the money, which the family used to pay off debts and make purchases.

Among the items seized were $58,000 (£46,000) in credit card payments, $18,000 in wholesale purchases and $12,000 for a custom-made dress, according to the indictment.

Although a Democrat, Cuellar's political stance is to the right of many members of his party.

He has been called the "last pro-life Democrat" because of his moderate position on abortion.

"My belief is clear: abortion should be rare and safe," he has said in the past.

In a letter to Trump, Cuellar's daughters also stated that they believe their father's stance on immigration led to his arrest.