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Trump pardons Cuellar but slams his party loyalty
Former President Donald Trump pardoned Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas on Wednesday, only to later criticize him for not switching to the Republican Party. Cuellar, who faced federal charges last year, filed for re-election as a Democrat hours after receiving the pardon.
Pardon follows bribery and money laundering charges
The Justice Department, under the Biden administration, accused Cuellar and his wife of accepting $600,000 from Azerbaijan's state-owned oil company and an unnamed Mexican bank in exchange for advancing their interests in Congress. The couple was charged with 14 counts in 2024, including conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. Both have maintained their innocence.
Trump accuses Democrats of political targeting
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump claimed Cuellar was a victim of a politically motivated attack by "radical left" Democrats. He argued that Cuellar was targeted for his stance on border security, which Trump described as "correct."
"Such a lack of LOYALTY. Oh well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!"
Donald Trump, social media post
Trump said he had never spoken to Cuellar or his family but felt compelled to intervene because they were "treated sooo BADLY!" He added that Cuellar's decision to remain a Democrat despite the pardon would not sit well with Texas voters or his daughters, who had written to Trump urging him to pardon their parents.
Cuellar reaffirms Democratic allegiance
Cuellar dismissed Trump's criticism, telling Fox News on Sunday, "I'm an American, I'm a Texan, and I'm a Democrat-in that order." He described himself as a "conservative Democrat" but said he would work with the president if needed.
"I prayed for the president. I prayed for his family, and I prayed for the presidency because if the president succeeds, the country succeeds."
Henry Cuellar, Fox News interview
Trump's history of demanding loyalty
This latest clash highlights Trump's expectation of loyalty from those he supports. Last month, federal labor unions sued the Trump administration over a "loyalty question" included in thousands of federal job applications. The question asks applicants to identify Trump policy initiatives that matter to them and describe how they would advance his agenda.
Trump has previously stated that loyalty is his top priority, even above intelligence or drive. "I value loyalty above everything else-more than brains, more than drive, and more than energy," he once said.
What's next
Cuellar's re-election bid as a Democrat could test Republican hopes of expanding their narrow House majority. Meanwhile, the fallout from Trump's pardon and public criticism may further strain relations between the former president and moderate Democrats.
