Rep. Henry Cuellar Stands By Democrats After Trump Pardon, Faces Criticism Over 'Lack Of Loyalty'

Rep. Henry Cuellar Defends Democratic Ties After Presidential Pardon

Democratic U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas defended his continued affiliation with the Democratic Party on Sunday after President Donald Trump criticized him for remaining a Democrat following a presidential pardon granted last week to Cuellar and his wife, Imelda.

Trump said on Truth Social that he had signed the pardons without first speaking to Cuellar and expressed displeasure after the congressman announced plans to run for re-election as a Democrat. In the post the president wrote:

"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!"

The Cuellars were indicted last year on allegations they accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes tied to two schemes said to benefit an Azerbaijani state-owned energy company and an unnamed bank in Mexico. Both Henry and Imelda Cuellar have denied the charges. The presidential pardon clears them of federal prosecution but has sparked political debate.

Speaking on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Cuellar said his party label does not determine his votes. "I don't vote party," he told the program. "I vote for what's right for the country." When asked whether he would consider switching parties, he replied simply: "Look, I'm a Democrat."

First elected to the U.S. House in 2004, Cuellar is widely regarded as one of the House's most conservative Democrats. He is seeking his 12th term in Congress and has recently fended off primary challenges from more progressive members of his party.

Cuellar also said he had prayed for the president and his family while attending church earlier in the day. "I prayed for the president. I prayed for his family, and I prayed for the presidency because if the president succeeds, the country succeeds," he said.

Political Context

Control of the U.S. House is a key objective for Democrats heading into the November 2026 midterm elections, which fall midway through President Trump's second term. Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority and have redrawn Texas' congressional map in ways that analysts say favor GOP candidates.

Reporting: Susan Heavey. Editing: Andrea Ricci.