Trump Vents Frustration Over Loyalty
So here's an awkward political moment: President Donald Trump pardons a Democratic congressman facing federal charges, presumably expecting some gratitude, and instead gets... nothing he wanted. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) promptly filed to run for re-election as a Democrat, dashing Republican hopes for a party switcher.
Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to express his displeasure, calling Cuellar's decision a "lack of LOYALTY" and warning, "Oh' well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!" The president argued that Cuellar had been "treated sooo badly" for supporting border security measures, suggesting the congressman was unfairly targeted for his positions.
Cuellar Draws His Line
The Texas congressman, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the federal charges, wasted no time clarifying where he stands. "I'm an American, I'm a Texan and I'm a Democrat – in that order," Cuellar told Fox News in response to Trump's social media broadside.
He added a diplomatic touch: "I am a conservative Democrat, but I will work with the president." It's the political equivalent of saying thanks for the pardon, but I'm staying put.
Trump revealed he'd never actually spoken directly to Cuellar or his family but said he "felt very good about fighting" for them. He accused Democrats of attempting to "destroy" the lawmaker over his border security stance, framing the pardon as a matter of fairness rather than political calculation.
The Pardon That Started It All
Last week, Trump pardoned Cuellar and his wife in a federal bribery and conspiracy case, denouncing the prosecution as politically motivated and another example of a "weaponized" justice system. The couple had been accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from foreign-linked entities in exchange for congressional influence.
After receiving the pardon, Cuellar maintained his innocence, expressed gratitude to Trump, and made clear he would remain a Democrat and continue his congressional work. Which brings us full circle to Trump's frustration about loyalty and political calculations that didn't quite work out as hoped.