Donald Trump criticizes pardoned Democrat Henry Cuellar

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, labeling him “ungrateful” following a presidential pardon. Trump addressed the matter through a Truth Social post and during a rally in San Antonio.

Trump previously granted a 2025 pardon to Cuellar and his wife regarding federal bribery and money-laundering charges. While Trump insisted he did not make a formal deal to grant the pardons in exchange for Cuellar switching to the Republican Party, he suggested he expected a different level of gratitude. Trump stated that while he did not explicitly demand Cuellar become a Republican, he believed there was a chance the lawmaker would recognize the gesture as “something really wonderful.”