Representative Cuellar Remains Democrat Following Presidential Pardon, Drawing Criticism from Donald Trump
Donald Trump issued a public statement on social media criticizing Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) for not switching political parties after receiving a presidential pardon. Mr. Trump's comments followed Mr. Cuellar's decision to file for re-election as a Democrat.
Pardon Details and Party Affiliation
On Wednesday, Mr. Trump pardoned Representative Cuellar, who had been charged with bribery and money laundering. Following the pardon, Mr. Cuellar confirmed his intention to seek re-election as a Democrat, contrary to expectations from some Republicans who had hoped he might change party affiliation, which could have expanded their narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
Mr. Trump's statement on social media expressed dissatisfaction with Mr. Cuellar's decision, describing it as a "lack of LOYALTY." He also indicated a change in approach for future situations.
Legal Charges Against Cuellar
In 2024, the Justice Department, under the Biden administration, charged Representative Cuellar and his wife with 14 counts. These charges included conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and violating a ban on acting as agents of a foreign organization. The indictment alleged that the couple accepted $600,000 from Azerbaijan's state-owned oil company and an unnamed Mexican bank in exchange for advancing their interests in Congress. Both Representative Cuellar and his wife have consistently maintained their innocence.
Trump's Perspective on the Pardon and Criticism
Mr. Trump stated that he believed Mr. Cuellar had been politically targeted by the Biden administration due to his public stance against "Open Borders." He elaborated in his social media post that he had never communicated directly with Mr. Cuellar or his family, but "felt very good about fighting" for them, citing their alleged mistreatment.
He further criticized Mr. Cuellar's choice to continue associating with Democrats, asserting that the same group had pursued legal action against him and his wife. Mr. Trump also implied that this perceived "lack of loyalty" would negatively affect Texas voters and Mr. Cuellar's daughters, who had reportedly sent a letter to the president requesting the pardon.
Cuellar's Response
In response to Mr. Trump's comments, Representative Cuellar affirmed his political identity to Fox News on Sunday: "I'm an American, I'm a Texan and I'm a Democrat - in that order." When asked about Mr. Trump's social media post, he stated, "I am a conservative Democrat, but I will work with the president." Mr. Cuellar also mentioned that he had prayed for the president, his family, and the presidency that Sunday morning, adding, "if the president succeeds, the country succeeds."
Context of Loyalty in Trump's Approach
This event aligns with Mr. Trump's historical emphasis on loyalty from those he assists. Previously, federal labor unions filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding a "loyalty question" on federal job applications. This question asked applicants to identify significant Trump policy initiatives and describe how they would personally advance his agenda. Mr. Trump has stated, "I value loyalty above everything else - more than brains, more than drive, and more than energy."