Trump Explodes After Pardoned Texas Rep. Cuellar Launches Reelection Bid As Dem
Daily Caller1 day
Trump Criticizes Cuellar After Pardon, Reelection Bid Announcement
Did Trump expect party-switching loyalty in exchange for the pardon, or did Cuellar betray his rescuer's mercy?
Above: Former Rep. Henry Cuellar on May 15, 2025. Image credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's public rage at Cuellar exposes the corrupt quid pro quo at the heart of his clemency decisions. The president literally admitted he expected loyalty in return for the pardon. This blatant attempt to buy a House seat through bribery demonstrates exactly how Trump views pardons as transactional tools for personal gain.
Pro-Trump narrative
Cuellar's decision to remain a Democrat is stunning ingratitude and betrayal. Democrats viciously prosecuted Cuellar simply because he supported border security, yet he now plans to continue working with the same radical left that wanted him imprisoned for life. Trump showed mercy only to watch Cuellar side with his former tormentors.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Articles on this story
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.1
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.1