While campaigning for the Republican ticket in Texas, President Donald Trump had a few choice words for a moderate South Texas Democratic congressman whom he pardoned in 2025.
Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, who represents the 28th Congressional District, along with his wife, was indicted in 2024 on counts of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering. Trump said at his San Antonio rally held on Oct. 7 that he pardoned them after Cuellar's daughters pleaded to him on their parents' behalf in 2025.
Trump said he thought Cuellar would flip parties and become a Republican after the pardon.
"But shockingly, after the pardon was given, then he and the wife were freed up. No more court cases ... Cuellar announced only a few days later that he was going
to stay and remain in the Democrat Party," Trump said.
At the time, Trump called Cuellar's decision not to switch parties a "lack of loyalty." At the rally, Trump doubled down, calling Cuellar's character "a faulty one." He also said the Democratic Party would go after Cuellar again if they win the midterm elections.
Trump also claimed back in 2025, without evidence, that the charges were politically motivated because the Democrat had pushed back against the Democratic Party's immigration and southern border policies.
Cuellar's district was part of Texas Republicans' redistricting efforts in 2025 to gain more seats in the U.S. House. Cook Political Report moved its rating of the race from toss-up to "Lean Democratic" in December 2025, noting that his Republican challenger, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, is set up for a tough fight against him in November.
Trump also doubled down on his endorsement for Tijerina, whom he previously endorsed in January 2026.
"He loves Laredo, he loves all of South Texas, but most importantly, Tano (Tijerina) loves the United States of America, and he'll be a great Congressman," Trump said.
Who is Henry Cuellar?
Cuellar's district spans from south San Antonio down to Laredo and spans across the Texas-Mexico border.
He was first elected in 2004. He has been reelected every cycle since, winning his most recent election in 2024 by 5 points.
Both Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, were indicted in 2024 by the Justice Department on counts of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering.
They were accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from a company tied to the Azerbaijan government and a bank headquartered in Mexico City. Cuellar has maintained their innocence, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump pardoned Texas congressman, now calls his character 'faulty'
