Donald Trump has criticised US House member Henry Cuellar of Texas for deciding to run for re-election as a Democrat days after the president pardoned him over bribery charges. Trump issued the pardon on Wednesday for Cuellar and his wife, who faced allegations of accepting thousands of dollars from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank in exchange for advancing their interests.
Shortly after the pardon, Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat and stated he had no intention of changing his party. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote: 'I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people – They were treated sooo BADLY! 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!'
Trump also suggested that Cuellar had been targeted by Democrats for being critical of the party's position on immigration. The statement is seen as another example of Trump expecting loyalty from those who benefit from him.
Cuellar is considered one of the more conservative members of the Democratic caucus in the US House. His south Texas district was redrawn by state Republicans in August to make it more favourable to Republicans, though Cuellar, as an established incumbent, has realistic chances of winning re-election during the 2026 midterm elections. The US Supreme Court allowed Texas's new map to go into effect on Thursday, a boost for Republicans seeking to retain control of the House.
