Stephen A. Smith praised President Trump’s pardon of Rep. Henry Cuellar on SiriusXM’s Straight Shooter, calling it “absolutely, positively brilliant politics” and urging Democrats to take note. Cuellar, who was indicted in March 2024 on allegations of accepting hundreds of thousands in foreign bribes, was described by Trump as unfairly targeted. Smith noted Cuellar’s centrist record and criticism of Biden on border policy, and suggested the pardon could create a congressional ally while pushing Democrats toward the center.
Stephen A. Smith Calls Trump’s Pardon Of Rep. Henry Cuellar “Absolutely, Positively Brilliant Politics”
Stephen A. Smith Praises Trump Pardon as a Tactical Win
On his SiriusXM program Straight Shooter, commentator Stephen A. Smith lauded President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), calling the move “absolutely, positively brilliant politics.” Smith said the pardon is a savvy political maneuver that Democrats should study.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Cuellar had been unfairly targeted by prior authorities. Cuellar was indicted in March 2024 on allegations that he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign bribes. The indictment remains a central fact in the debate over the pardon.
“At some point in time, we just have to give the man credit. He’s shrewd as hell!... I mean, school is in session on how to manipulate minds and coax folks into thinking along the lines of his way of thinking,” Smith said on air.
Smith emphasized the broader political message of the pardon: it signals that Trump can reach across partisan lines and reward a Democrat who is widely viewed as a centrist. Cuellar has publicly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border and represents a district Trump carried in 2024.
Smith argued the pardon could translate into a practical advantage for Trump — potentially producing a reliable voting ally in Congress — while urging Democrats to reconsider their strategy.
“Get away from the far left. Move towards the center,” Smith said. “And Trump beat them to it. He beat them to it. That’s what he’s doing! That’s what he’s doing! It’s brilliant! Absolutely positively brilliant politics!”
Smith’s commentary frames the pardon as both a symbolic and tactical victory that could influence congressional dynamics and party strategy moving forward.
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