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Trump Denounces Cuellar After Pardon as Texas Democrat Launches 2026 Bid

The clash complicates both parties’ strategies in a closely contested South Texas House seat.

U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales, left, and Henry Cuellar, right, participate in a discussion on taking politics out of problem solving during the Texas Tribune Festival in 2023. Cuellar, the controversial South Texas lawmaker, might not vote with the national party on every issue, but Democrats will need his help if they want to flip the U.S. House.
House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) questions Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 06, 2025 in Washington, D.C.; U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Medallion Reception at the U.S. Department of State on December 06, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)
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Overview

  • In a Sunday Truth Social post, President Trump criticized Rep. Henry Cuellar for remaining a Democrat after receiving a pardon, calling it a "lack of LOYALTY" and warning "no more Mr. Nice guy."
  • Cuellar has confirmed he will seek reelection as a conservative Democrat, thanked Trump for the pardon, and maintained that he did nothing wrong.
  • Trump said he granted full, unconditional pardons to Cuellar and his wife after receiving a letter from their daughters, clearing the couple of federal criminal exposure in the case.
  • Cuellar has accused the Biden-era Justice Department of "weaponization" and has encouraged House Republicans to investigate the prosecutors, with reporting that he has been in contact with Chairman Jim Jordan.
  • House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly praised the pardon as the "right outcome" as Cuellar continues to hold a highly competitive South Texas district.