Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, accusing him of “a lack of LOYALTY” for choosing to run for reelection as a Democrat—despite receiving a high-profile presidential pardon last week. The rebuke underscores Trump’s expectation that clemency might prompt Cuellar to join the GOP, strengthening Republicans’ narrow House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Cuellar and his wife were indicted by the Biden administration on federal bribery and conspiracy charges, alleging the congressman accepted payments in exchange for political favors benefiting an Azerbaijan-controlled energy firm and a Mexican bank. The couple, who maintain their innocence, were set to go to trial in April before Trump issued the pardons.

In a Truth Social post, Trump complained that Cuellar was returning to “the same RADICAL LEFT” that prosecuted him, adding that Texas voters and Cuellar’s daughters—who had personally appealed for clemency—“will not like” his decision. Trump also warned, “Next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”

Cuellar responded in a Fox News interview, positioning himself as a conservative Democrat who is willing to cooperate with the administration when possible. He emphasized loyalty to country over party, referencing former President Lyndon Johnson’s hierarchy: American first, Texan second, Democrat third. Cuellar said he prayed for Trump that morning, adding: “If the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”

The congressman also suggested the FBI attempted to entrap him through “a sting operation” that he says failed. Cuellar insists both he and his wife were wrongly targeted.

The political implications of the dispute are significant. Trump has pushed for redistricting efforts in Texas designed to help Republicans retain House control, hoping to avoid a repeat of his first term when Democrats won the midterms, launched investigations, and impeached him twice. But Cuellar’s South Texas district—anchored in San Antonio—remains largely unchanged, and he believes he is well-positioned to win reelection as a Democrat.

While Trump framed the pardon as protecting Cuellar from a “weaponized prosecution,” the congressman appears determined to stay within his party, describing himself as an “independent voice” but firmly aligned with Democratic leadership.