Trump Calls Pardoned Democrat a 'Loser' for Remaining Party Affiliated

Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, labeling him a "loser" for not switching to the Republican Party after receiving a presidential pardon. Trump made these remarks in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, expressing disappointment that Cuellar, who faced bribery and money laundering charges before being pardoned by Trump, did not align himself with the Republican party.

Trump stated that he believed Cuellar would have joined the Republican party, which he claimed "saved him from years in prison." The former president contrasted this with his own actions, noting he made no deal for the pardon, unlike "a crooked politician" would have. He expressed pride in relying on Cuellar's character, which he now considers "faulty."

"Henry Cuellar is a LOSER who, right now, should be serving a longterm jail sentence with his wife in a top level penitentiary," Trump wrote. He also endorsed Cuellar's Republican challenger, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, calling Tijerina a "STAR" and a "Great Athlete, respected County Judge, and fine person."

Trump's comments were made prior to delivering similar remarks at a rally in San Antonio, Texas. Tijerina acknowledged Trump's statements on X, formerly Twitter, stating that "Everyone in South Texas knows anything after Hello coming from Henry Cuellar is a lie. President Trump just confirmed that."

Cuellar, who has represented his Texas district in the House of Representatives since 2005, is currently seeking re-election. Trump had previously announced his pardon of Cuellar and his wife last year, suggesting at the time that Cuellar had spoken out against open borders and the Biden administration's border policies. Fox News Digital reached out to Cuellar's campaign for comment.