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Trump pardoned a Texas Democrat to save him from a potential 20 years in prison. Now he is calling him out for not switching parties: 'a LOSER'

Trump used a social-media post to criticize Cuellar and encourage support for Tano Tijerina.

Trump pardoned a Texas Democrat to save him from a potential 20 years in prison. Now he is calling him out for not switching parties: 'a LOSER'
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This article1 analysis · Oct 9, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump criticized Rep. Henry Cuellar for remaining a Democrat after Trump pardoned him and his wife, and backed Cuellar’s Republican challenger, Tano Tijerina. The post turned the pardon into a campaign dispute over Cuellar’s party affiliation.

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Donald Trump R · President of the United States

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Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who criticized Cuellar and backed his Republican challenger

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Henry Cuellar
D · TX-28

Texas representative criticized by Trump for remaining a Democrat after receiving a pardon

Cuellar's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate running against Paxton

Republican challenger to Cuellar whom Trump endorsed

Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate nominee whom Trump campaigned for

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator who lost the Republican primary to Paxton

Part of a bigger story

7 OUTLETS
Trump Criticizes Henry Cuellar for Remaining a Democrat After Pardon

Trump criticized Rep. Henry Cuellar for remaining a Democrat after Trump pardoned him and promoted Cuellar’s Republican challenger, Tano Tijerina. Cuellar said his focus remained on serving his district. Center outlets frame the episode as a campaign dispute over Cuellar’s party affiliation and Trump’s support for his challenger; some also include Cuellar’s response and district priorities.

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