Tensions surfaced this week between President Donald Trump and Rep. Henry Cuellar, the Texas Democrat whose federal bribery case Trump pardoned earlier this month.
According to The Associated Press, instead of rewarding the clemency with a party switch, Cuellar announced he would seek reelection as a Democrat — a decision that drew sharp criticism from Trump.
“Such a lack of LOYALTY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, accusing Cuellar of continuing to align with “the same RADICAL LEFT” that prosecuted him and his wife. “And probably still do!”
Trump suggested the pardon might have been expected to help Republicans shore up their slim House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like. Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” he added.
Cuellar, who appeared on television shortly after the post, dismissed the criticism and reiterated his identity as a conservative Democrat.
“I am a conservative Democrat willing to work with the administration ‘to see where we can find common ground,’” he said. “I prayed for the president and the presidency… because if the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”
Invoking the late President Lyndon Johnson, Cuellar said he considered himself “an American, Texan and Democrat, in that order.”
“I think anybody that puts party before their country is doing a disservice to their country,” he added.
Trump has framed his pardon as a response to what he called a “weaponized” prosecution.
Cuellar had been a vocal opponent of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies — one reason Trump viewed the lawmaker as ideologically aligned.
Cuellar said he maintains solid relationships within his party.
“I think the general Democrat Caucus and I, we get along. But they know that I’m an independent voice,” he said.
The expectation of a possible party switch gained momentum after Texas’ GOP-led legislature redrew congressional maps at Trump’s urging, a maneuver meant to strengthen Republican prospects nationwide.
Cuellar’s district, however, remained largely untouched, and he believes his reelection chances remain strong.
Federal prosecutors had accused Cuellar and his wife of accepting payments in exchange for advancing the interests of an Azerbaijan-linked energy firm and a Mexican bank. Cuellar denied the charges, saying authorities attempted “a sting operation… and that failed.”
He still faces a House Ethics Committee probe, even as he prepares for another campaign cycle.
