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Trump announces pardon for Democratic Rep Henry Cuellar

Trump announces pardon for Democratic Rep Henry Cuellar

President Donald Trump announced a “full and unconditional pardon” Wednesday for Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and his wife, Imelda. “For years, the Biden Administration weaponized the Justice System against their Political Opponents, and anyone who disagreed with them. One of the clearest examples of this was when Crooked Joe used the FBI and DOJ to ‘take out’ a member of his own Party after Highly Respected Congressman Henry Cuellar bravely spoke out against Open Borders, and the Biden Border ‘Catastrophe,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Sleepy Joe went after the Congressman, and even the Congressman’s wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH. It is unAmerican and, as I previously stated, the Radical Left Democrats are a complete and total threat to Democracy! They will attack, rob, lie, cheat, destroy, and decimate anyone who dares to oppose their Far Left Agenda, an Agenda that, if left unchecked, will obliterate our magnificent Country,” Trump continued. “Because of these facts, and others, I am hereby announcing my full and unconditional PARDON of beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, and Imelda. Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” In January 2024, Cuellar warned fellow Democrats, including President Biden, to prepare for border security to be a top election issue in the 2024 cycle. DEMOCRAT CUELLAR WARNS BIDEN: BORDER CRISIS WILL ‘ABSOLUTELY’ BE ELECTION ISSUE IN 2024 “If they’re looking at the same polls I’ve been looking at, the American public doesn’t like what’s happening,” Cuellar said of fellow Democrats in an interview with Fox News Digital. “I represent an area where it’s almost 80% Hispanic, a lot of Democrats,” he said. “So, yeah, the polls are showing that it’s an important issue.” FLASHBACK: WE ‘NEED TO HAVE REPERCUSSIONS AT THE BORDER,’ CUELLAR SAYS Speaking of Biden, he said, “It’s in the president’s best interest politically to come up with a solution on border security.” The Department of Justice under the Biden administration indicted Cuellar and his wife in May 2024 for allegedly taking roughly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-owned energy company and a Mexican bank, according to a news release at the time. “The bribe payments were allegedly laundered, pursuant to sham consulting contracts, through a series of front companies and middlemen into shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts,” the Justice Department said. “In exchange for the bribes paid by the Azerbaijani oil and gas company, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan. In exchange for the bribes paid by the Mexican bank, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence legislative activity and to advise and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank.” Cuellar said following the pardon on Wednesday that, “I want to thank President Trump for his tremendous leadership and for taking the time to look at the facts.” “I thank God for standing with my family and I during this difficult time. This decision clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas,” he added. “This pardon gives us a clean slate. The noise is gone. The work remains. And I intend to meet it head on. Thank you Mr. President, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.” In Trump’s post on Wednesday, he shared a letter to him apparently written by Cuellar’s daughters, titled, “Request for Compassion and Clemency for our Parents, Henry and Imelda Cuellar.” “Our parents are good, decent people who have spent their lives giving more than they’ve taken. They have loved this country deeply, served their neighbors without hesitation, and raised us to believe that kindness, faith, and hard work are the true measures of a meaningful life,” the letter said. “Now, in the later years of their lives, all we want as their daughters is time — time to be with them, to share laughter and family dinners, and to see them live without the weight of worry. We hope they can one day retire peacefully and focus on family, faith, and the simple joys they have earned through a lifetime of service. All we want now is for our family to heal, to breathe freely again, and to see our parents’ good names restored.” “With all our hearts, we humbly ask that you show mercy and compassion to our parents — either by dismissing this case or granting a full and unconditional pardon,” the letter also said. “We speak not only as their children but also as Americans who believe in the goodness of this country and in your ability to see the human side of every story.” Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind and Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.

Chicago suburb slammed for rehiring police officer arrested by ICE: ‘Crazy as hell’

Chicago suburb slammed for rehiring police officer arrested by ICE: ‘Crazy as hell’

A Chicago suburb’s police department is under fire after it announced a Montenegran immigrant serving on the force that had been arrested by ICE for a visa-overstay will continue on the job. Officials in Hanover Park, Illinois – which straddles DuPage and Cook Counties — defended Officer Radule Bojovic, saying in a statement to CBS News he had been hired in “full compliance” with the law, and had proper federal work authorization. DHS was nonplussed, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commenting, “What kind of police department gives criminal illegal aliens badges and guns? It’s a felony for aliens to even possess a firearm.” “A so-called law enforcement officer is actively breaking the law,” McLaughlin said, with her agency releasing further statements claiming Bojovic’s employment had an estimated cost to taxpayers of $205,707. BORDER PATROL CHIEF FIRES BACK AFTER CHICAGO MAYOR CALLS HIM ‘BARBARIC’ OVER TEAR GAS CLASH The agency said Bojovic was “encountered” during Operation Midway Blitz, the Chicago ICE and Border Patrol enforcement action led by Commander Gregory Bovino. Bojovic’s tourist visa reportedly expired in 2015, leading McLaughlin to wonder in a statement how he could be hired after 10 years living in the U.S. illegally. Hanover Park officials told CBS News that Bojovic was hired through the proper checks and channels and he also provided a valid work authorization card that had recently been renewed. ICE ARRESTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED OF DECAPITATING ILLINOIS WOMAN AFTER JUDGE SET HIM FREE Bojovic’s first day back on full duty was Tuesday, according to police statements, as officials said the man’s $2,500 bond from his DHS case was not contested. That did not quell other conservatives, including commentator Chaya Raichik, better known as “LibsOfTikTok.” “Crazy as hell,” Raichik wrote on X. “Why is an illegal alien working as a cop and getting paid by our tax dollars.” Raichik also criticized a report that Bojovic will receive back pay for the time he has been off duty. Bojovic has no criminal history in Illinois State Police and federal databases, according to Chicago’s FOX affiliate. A town in Maine is also under scrutiny after ICE claimed an illegal immigrant from Jamaica was serving as a reserve police officer in a “sanctuary jurisdiction” when he was reportedly arrested for unlawfully attempting to purchase a firearm. Fox News Digital reached out to Hanover Park Police administration as well as a deputy chief listed on a press release about the matter, for further comment.

House Republicans back Trump’s Venezuela moves for now as escalation uncertainty looms

House Republicans back Trump’s Venezuela moves for now as escalation uncertainty looms

House Republicans say they’re behind President Donald Trump and his administration’s pressure campaign on Venezuela so far, but the uncertainty over what happens next is spurring both questions and concerns among some in the GOP. Several Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee told Fox News Digital that the Trump administration has been well within its rights to act against Nicolás Maduro’s regime. But they’re eager for more information after several strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats and Trump’s own heightened rhetoric targeting the country’s dictatorial president. “I support the actions that are being taken,” Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., told Fox News Digital. “I absolutely support stopping the flow of drugs in this country. I’m interested in seeing what the longer-term plans are, and that’s what I want to see.” It comes amid significant speculation and debate over a pair of Sept. 2 strikes against an alleged drug boat from Venezuela. LAWMAKERS SKEPTICAL OF ALLEGED HEGSETH KILL ORDERS IN VENEZUELA — BUT ISSUE STARK WARNING  The White House confirmed that the U.S. carried out two attacks — one initial hit on the boat and a follow-up strike that killed two remaining survivors. Democrats have accused the GOP administration of committing a possible war crime. Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said the second strike was carried out on orders from U.S. Navy Admiral Frank M. Bradley, have emphatically defended the decision.  “Obviously, if you’re not there, it’s kind of hard to second-guess those decisions,” Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind., said in pushing back on the criticism. “I think the use of our armed forces … to help deal with the flood of human trafficking and drug trafficking that’s coming out of Venezuela, we need to do all we can to help stop.” TOP DEMOCRAT BACKS US INTEL ON NARCO-TRAFFICKING STRIKES, FAULTS BIDEN FOR ‘NOT GOING FAR ENOUGH’ ON MADURO He said, however, that Trump would have to seek congressional approval before any escalation of force against Venezuela — something GOP lawmakers were torn over. “Certain things are obviously within the executive authorities, but also I think there’s things under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 through 13 that are war powers of Congress,” said Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.  “There are certain things that he does have the ability to do. But we don’t know what the president’s plan is at this point, and he’s not forecasting it so others know. So I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves slightly … when we don’t know what the actual plan is.” Rep. Earl Baumgartner, R-Colo., said Trump had past precedent on his side in treating certain further actions against Venezuela as law enforcement actions rather than acts of war. “I think it’s within the bounds of protecting American national security under the guidance of the president. And, again, the briefings I’ve received, I think they’re on the right track in the process,” he said. WASHINGTON’S SHADOW WAR: HOW STRIKES ON CARTELS THREATEN TO COLLAPSE MADURO’S REGIME Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., said he was looking forward to getting more information on the situation but did not say directly whether Trump needed to seek Congress’ green light to escalate use of force against Maduro. “I think we have to give the president plenty of room to conduct diplomacy on behalf of the country. Not everything that ends up in print is necessarily intended for domestic consumption when you’re dealing with foreign relations,” he said.  “Setting aside the legal debates, I think it would be wise to be sure that the American people are supportive of, you know, any substantial escalation before undertaking it.” Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said Trump would need to seek congressional approval if he “goes to war” but argued “it currently is not a war.” “I mean, they declared war on us when they dumped that junk onto our streets. So the drug dealers, I say, send them all to hell. I’m tired of seeing families that I know lose loved ones to drug abuse,” he said. And Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., also signaled he would stick by whatever Trump decided on Venezuela. “It’s already designated a foreign terrorist organization. [Maduro is] the head of a foreign terrorist organization. He’s the illegitimate president or leader of Venezuela,” he said. “That organization has killed tens of thousands of Americans. And so I will support the actions that the president is taking in order to get Maduro to leave and install a legitimate government and bring freedom to the people of Venezuela.”

Foreign-backed influence in schools to be exposed under GOP ‘TRACE Act’ giving parents access to curriculum

Foreign-backed influence in schools to be exposed under GOP ‘TRACE Act’ giving parents access to curriculum

EXCLUSIVE: Congressional Republicans renewed their efforts Wednesday to give parents a window into whether their child’s education is being influenced by the Chinese Communist Party or other malign actors. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., chair of the House DOGE Caucus, and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., will put forward their TRACE Act on Wednesday morning, which seeks to “TRACE” foreign funding and influence – or provide “Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions in Education.” The bill would require that, as a condition of federal funding, schools must provide parents with the right to review any curriculum provided by or purchased with funds of a foreign country. It also mandates parents have the right to know or be informed of any contract or financial transaction a school or district has with any foreign country. NEW REPORT SOUNDS ALARM ON ‘STAGGERING’ AMOUNT OF FOREIGN MONEY POURING INTO US UNIVERSITIES Schools would be required to provide free copies roughly once a month and no later than 30 days after a parent submits a written request for any student curricular materials or teacher professional-development materials. The bill would also shine a light on foreign countries’ donations to schools across the country, particularly those contributions from formally designated “foreign entities of concern.” “American schools are for education, not espionage,” Bean told Fox News Digital. FBI DIRECTOR PATEL LEADS CHARGE TO ROOT OUT CHINESE INFLUENCE ON US SOIL “Yet this is what happens when our institutions of learning accept the Trojan horse of foreign funding. The TRACE Act puts parents back in charge, exposes foreign influence for what it is, and slams the door on hostile nations trying to reach America’s youth.” Bean said the House seeks to protect parental rights, secure classrooms from foreign influence and “keep American schools rooted in freedom.” “Our future is on the line, and we’re going to get this done.” ARREST OF CHINESE NATIONALS IN SWING STATE, ISRAEL’S FIGHT WITH IRAN ARE ‘WAKE UP’ CALL ON CCP THREAT: EXPERTS  Mackenzie added that parents have a right to know what is being taught to their kids – “especially when overseas adversaries like China may be involved.” “Our children and our democracy depend on keeping foreign propaganda campaigns out of American classrooms, and parents are the first line of defense,” Mackenzie told Fox News Digital. He echoed Bean in that the TRACE Act will strengthen parental rights and harden classrooms against outside academic intercession. Two other House lawmakers: Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., and Erin Houchin, R-Ind., have also signed on to the bill. The issue has come to the fore in recent years, as education officials in states such as Oklahoma warn against Chinese Communist Party-linked Confucius Classrooms and other foreign-funded or globally-based initiatives. BYRON DONALDS LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO PUNISH FEDERAL WORKERS FOR FAILURE TO REPORT FOREIGN GIFTS Oklahoma’s top elected education official had called for congressional action in 2023 to blunt foreign influence in schools – and further pledged to be on the front lines of pushing back against untoward interference in children’s education. State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters previously told Fox News Digital he believes foreign influence over education is a national security risk – especially when it comes without the knowledge of children or their parents. He challenged his state’s largest school district, alleging funding for Confucius Classrooms had been “hidden” from parents and that it was “actually the Chinese Communist Party that was funding a nonprofit that was working directly in the school.” In a statement to Fox News at the time on the matter, Tulsa Public Schools said the district “has no Confucius Classroom programs in its schools” in response to allegations it partnered with a China-linked entity. A similar bill was launched in 2024, but languished in the House. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also previously authored a Senate version of the prior legislation, but it died in committee, according to the Congressional Record.