‎Trump Criticizes Rep. Henry Cuellar Over Loyalty After Pardon and Addresses 2026 Political Stakes

‎President Donald Trump criticized Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar for choosing to run again as a Democrat after receiving a presidential pardon for a federal bribery and conspiracy case involving the congressman and his wife.
‎Trump posted on his social media platform that Cuellar showed “Such a lack of LOYALTY,” signaling that he may have expected the Texas lawmaker’s clemency to benefit the Republican Party’s narrow House majority heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
‎Trump faults Rep. Henry Cuellar for remaining a Democrat after receiving a presidential pardon as both sides outline their positions ahead of 2026.
‎Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo
‎Cuellar responded during a televised interview, explaining that he remains a conservative Democrat who intends to work with the administration “to see where we can find common ground.” He added that he prayed for the president and the presidency, stating that national success is tied to presidential success.
‎Cuellar referenced former President Lyndon Johnson, describing himself as an American, Texan and Democrat, in that order. He said that placing party before country harms national interests and emphasized this during his appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures.”
‎Trump highlighted that the charges against Cuellar originated under President Joe Biden’s administration. He argued that Cuellar’s choice to continue running as a Democrat aligns him with “the same RADICAL LEFT” that pursued the case against him and his wife.
‎Trump also referenced a letter sent by Cuellar’s daughters asking for their parents to be pardoned. He stated that Texas voters and Cuellar’s daughters would not appreciate what he called disloyalty, adding, “Next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”
‎Trump said the pardon aimed to halt what he described as a “weaponized” prosecution. Cuellar’s criticism of Biden’s immigration policy was noted by Trump as an important point of alignment between them.
‎Cuellar stated that he maintains strong relationships within his party and described himself as an independent voice. He expressed confidence that he works effectively with the broader Democratic Caucus.
‎A party switch from Cuellar would have offered a strategic advantage to Republicans as they seek to protect their House majority. The GOP-led redistricting effort in Texas, executed at Trump’s urging, contributed to a broader redistricting wave that is unfolding across several states.
‎Cuellar’s South Texas district, which includes areas of metro San Antonio, saw fewer changes than other districts affected by the redistricting process. The congressman said he remains confident in his prospects for reelection.
‎Federal prosecutors accused Cuellar and his wife of accepting payments to advance the interests of an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a Mexican bank. Allegations included supporting favorable legislation and delivering a pro-Azerbaijan speech in the U.S. House of Representatives.
‎Cuellar has maintained that he and his wife are innocent. Their trial had been scheduled to begin in April.
‎Cuellar said during his Fox interview that federal authorities attempted “a sting operation to try to bribe me, and that failed,” underscoring his position that he rejected improper influence attempts.

Comments

TRENDING!

‎'Sons and Daughters Must Be Ready to Fight,' UK Defence Chief Warns of Rising Russian Threat

Trump's Primetime White House Address Reveals Economic Messaging Strategy and Political Anxiety

Trump Expands U.S. Travel Ban, Adds Five Countries and Broadens Entry Restrictions

‎San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy Must Regain Confidence After Turnovers Against Panthers

‎5 Key Personal Loan Requirements and How to Improve Your Approval Chances

‎Putin Responds to U.S. Peace Plan as Trump Pressures Zelenskyy for Swift Decision

‎Washington Man Contracts Rare H5N5 Bird Flu in First-Ever Human Case Confirmed in the U.S.

‎Investigators Analyze UPS MD-11 Crash in Louisville: Black Boxes and Engine Footage Key to Understanding Deadly Incident

‎Washington Reports First Human Case of H5N5 Bird Flu as Resident Dies from Complications