• Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar and criticized him for not switching to the Republican party.
• Cuellar maintains his innocence against bribery charges while defending his Democratic ties.
• Cuellar insists on continuing his candidacy as a Democrat in the upcoming elections.

President Donald Trump has expressed anger towards Democratic U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar for not switching parties following a pardon issued to him and his wife, Imelda, in a bribery case. Trump criticized Cuellar's decision to run as a Democrat again, claiming it demonstrates "a lack of LOYALTY" that may not sit well with Texas voters, particularly Cuellar's daughters who had requested the pardons. Trump suggested that Cuellar's party switch could have bolstered the Republican majority heading into the 2026 midterm elections, a strategy he appeared to be banking on at the time of the pardon, according to Reuters, CBS News, and BBC.

Citing charges that Cuellar and his wife had received approximately $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan state-owned energy company and a Mexican bank, Trump mentioned that the Justice Department's actions were politically motivated. Cuellar, who maintains his innocence, stated he believes the accusations against him stem from his critiques of the Biden administration’s border policies. In a Fox News interview, he asserted, "I feel that I was weaponized" by political opponents, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

Cuellar's decision to announce his re-election campaign soon after his pardon surprised many, especially Trump, who viewed it as a missed opportunity to increase Republican majority in the House. Cuellar reiterated his commitment to the Democratic party, stating "I’m an American, I’m a Texan, and I’m a Democrat," which reflects his stance against placing party above country. He has expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration to find common ground despite the disapproval from Trump, as noted by CBS News and BBC.

In addressing the backlash from Trump, Cuellar emphasized his identity as a conservative Democrat and expressed his hope for collaboration where possible. He indicated that he prayed for Trump during church services, stating, "if the president succeeds, the country succeeds," which highlights his approach to handling the political tensions around their relationship, according to Reuters, CBS News, and Los Angeles Times.