Trump slams pardoned Democratic congressman as ‘disloyal’ for not switching parties

Former President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar for not switching parties after receiving a presidential pardon in a federal bribery case, highlighting tensions over political loyalty in the wake of the clemency decision.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Cuellar for what he called “Such a lack of LOYALTY,” suggesting the pardon might have been intended partly to boost Republican numbers in the House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump noted that the charges had been brought by the Biden administration and claimed Cuellar was continuing to work with “the same RADICAL LEFT” that wanted him imprisoned.

“Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” Trump warned in his social media statement, adding that Texas voters and Cuellar’s daughters “will not like” the congressman’s decision to remain with the Democratic Party.

Responding to Trump’s comments in a Fox News interview on Sunday, Cuellar emphasized his identity as “an American, Texan and Democrat, in that order,” citing former President Lyndon Johnson. “I think anybody that puts party before their country is doing a disservice to their country,” Cuellar said, adding that he had prayed for Trump and the presidency at church that morning “because if the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”

The congressman described himself as a conservative Democrat willing to collaborate with the Trump administration “to see where we can find common ground,” and maintained that he has good relationships within his party despite being known as “an independent voice.”

Last Wednesday, Trump announced a pardon for Cuellar and his wife, who had been charged with accepting thousands of dollars in exchange for advancing the interests of an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a Mexican bank. The indictment alleged Cuellar had agreed to influence legislation favorable to Azerbaijan and deliver a pro-Azerbaijan speech in the House.

The congressman, who has consistently maintained his innocence, characterized the federal investigation as “a sting operation to try to bribe me, and that failed.” The couple’s trial had been scheduled to begin in April before the pardon was issued.

Trump framed his clemency decision as an effort to stop what he called a “weaponized” prosecution. He also noted Cuellar’s outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies as a point of alignment between them.

A party switch by Cuellar would have provided an unexpected boost to Republicans, who currently hold a narrow House majority. It comes as the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature recently redrew congressional districts at Trump’s urging, part of what observers describe as a mid-decade gerrymandering effort across multiple states aimed at protecting Republican control of the House.

Despite these redistricting changes, Cuellar’s South Texas district, which includes parts of San Antonio, was not substantially altered. The congressman has expressed confidence in his ability to win reelection as a Democrat.

The pardon does not end Cuellar’s political challenges entirely. He still faces an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which operates independently of the criminal justice system and can recommend disciplinary action against members of Congress.

The episode highlights the complex interplay between partisan politics, presidential pardons, and expectations of political loyalty in Washington, as Trump seeks to avoid a repeat of his first term when Democrats won House control in the midterms, used their majority to launch investigations, and twice impeached him.