Trump Blasts Cuéllar for Returning to the Democratic Party

Trump accuses Cuéllar of political disloyalty

Cuéllar seeks Democratic reelection

Pardon sparks public tension

According to the EFE news agency, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the “lack of loyalty” shown by Congressman Henry Cuéllar just days after granting him a presidential pardon, following the legislator’s announcement that he intends to seek reelection as a member of the Democratic Party.

Trump expressed his frustration on Sunday through Truth Social, stating that he granted clemency to Cuéllar after receiving a letter sent by the congressman’s daughters, who requested the pardon citing family and personal reasons.

The president said he never spoke directly with Cuéllar or his family before issuing the pardon and expressed surprise upon learning that the congressman would continue his political career under the Democratic banner.

According to Trump, Cuéllar announced his reelection bid immediately after receiving the pardon—an action Trump interpreted as disloyal.

Trump escalates criticism after Democratic reelection announcement

Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post:

— PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

«Can you imagine???

The Democrats, under the Crooked Joe Biden Administration, who always use extreme force and jail-time to destroy their political opponent, wanted to put Congressman Henry Cuellar, and his… https://t.co/JtRKUz7Pzz pic.twitter.com/EeS2yLWgDO

— REALX•VOX (@Realxvox) December 7, 2025

The president added that the legislator chose to collaborate again with Democratic figures whom Trump described as “the same scum of the radical left.”

Trump claimed that various Democratic sectors had sought harsh legal consequences for Cuéllar and his wife.

He stated that these groups still wished the couple would face severe punishment.

Continuing his remarks, Trump asserted that this “lack of loyalty” would not be well received by Texas voters nor by the congressman’s daughters.

Trump criticizes Cuéllar’s disloyalty as campaign advances

Trump Criticizes Cuéllar for Returning to the Democratic Party – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Trump concluded by saying that after this episode, “there will be no more Mr. Nice Guy.”

Henry Cuéllar, a congressman since 2005, is considered a moderate Democrat.

During Joe Biden’s administration, Cuéllar criticized immigration policy and adopted positions similar to those Trump now defends.

The legislator had been facing trial after being accused in 2024 of accepting bribes from a Mexican bank and an energy company linked to the Government of Azerbaijan.

Bribery accusations and political pressure

The indictment included allegations that he accepted payments in exchange for favoring foreign entities from his public office.

His wife, Imelda Cuéllar, was also implicated.

Both were scheduled to face trial in 2026.

The letter from Henry Cuéllar’s daughters, published by Trump, suggested that the congressman’s political views may have influenced the initiation of the case.

Presidential pardon and new partisan tension

In the letter, Cuéllar’s daughters said their father sought to protect the people of South Texas and the border.

The pardon put the judicial case on hold.

Trump interpreted Cuéllar’s decision as contrary to the deference he expected after granting clemency—an episode now fueling the Trump criticizes Cuéllar loyalty narrative.

The controversy highlights internal tensions and the political impact of the pardon.