President Donald Trump did not hold back Sunday after Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar announced he would run for reelection as a Democrat—just days after Trump granted full pardons to both him and his wife, Imelda. Because nothing says “gratitude” quite like running straight back into the arms of the same party that tried to throw you in prison for 15 years. Very on-brand for Washington.
Cuellar confirmed his decision Wednesday, mere hours after receiving Trump’s pardon. On Truth Social, Trump reminded everyone that Democrats under the Biden administration spent years trying to destroy Cuellar and his family with what he described as aggressive, politically motivated prosecutions.
Trump put it plainly: Biden’s DOJ “wanted to put Congressman Henry Cuellar, and his wife, Imelda, in PRISON, for 15 years,” calling Democrats “Radical Left Lunatics” who “never stopped wanting to fulfill this evil quest.” According to Trump, the attacks continued even after Democrats were routed in the 2024 election and lost power.
“They were looking to destroy him, his lovely wife, his two young daughters, and anyone close to them,” Trump wrote. The reason? Cuellar’s support for border security, which—shocking as it sounds—didn’t sit well with the same Democrats who have championed open borders for years. Trump made clear he believed he saved a family “tormented by very sick and deranged people.”
But then came the twist: Cuellar chose to run again as a Democrat. Trump didn’t mince words, calling it a “lack of LOYALTY” and reminding everyone that Texas is a state where he received “the highest number of votes ever recorded.” He ended with a classic Trump line: “Oh well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”
For his part, Cuellar says he’s a “conservative Democrat” who works across party lines and wants to see Trump succeed because “it’s good for the country.” He added that he’s willing to work with anyone—including Trump—despite their differences. A diplomatic answer, though it probably didn’t warm any hearts at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump had issued full pardons to Cuellar and his wife, who were charged by Biden’s Justice Department with allegedly accepting about $600,000 from Azerbaijani officials and a Mexican financial institution in exchange for advancing Azerbaijan’s interests. The couple denied the allegations and were not scheduled to face trial until 2026.
Cuellar, who has represented his Hispanic-majority South Texas district since 2005, has clashed repeatedly with Democratic leadership over border policy, criticized Biden’s immigration approach, and supported several GOP-backed initiatives—including legislation against migrant crime and to protect women’s sports. He even sided with Republicans on reopening the government during the 2025 shutdown.
So yes, Cuellar may be running as a Democrat, but his record says he’s been a burr in the side of his own party for years. And despite the political theatrics, at least there’s a silver lining: Trump’s commitment to fairness and principle remains unchanged—and that’s always something worth ending on a positive note.
