WASHINGTON — President Trump voiced his frustration over his recent decision to pardon Representative Henry Cuellar, following Cuellar’s swift announcement of his intention to seek re-election as a Democrat.

Henry Cuellar, a 70-year-old Democrat from Texas, holds one of the most fiercely contested seats within the House Democratic caucus. He faced serious charges including federal bribery, money laundering, and acting as a foreign agent, allegedly accepting $600,000 from Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump vented, “Shortly after I granted the pardon, Congressman Henry Cuellar declared his candidacy for Congress once again in Texas — a state where I secured the highest vote count ever recorded! — and as a Democrat.”

Trump continued his tirade, emphasizing, “This demonstrates a profound lack of LOYALTY, something Texas voters and Henry’s daughters will disapprove of. Well, next time, I won’t be so lenient!”

The pardon, extended to Cuellar, who is considered a rare, moderately pro-life Democrat, left many Republicans puzzled. Cuellar’s district, Texas’ 28th Congressional District, is classified as one of six Democratic-held House seats labeled as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, a noted election analysis outlet.

By pardoning the Texas Democrat, who was indicted by the Biden-era Justice Department, Trump, 79, seemingly undermined a golden pickup opportunity for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.

Since 2004, Cuellar has survived numerous tough challenges from Republicans and Democratic primary contenders alike.

Trump’s pardon had drawn praise from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

“This indictment was very thin to begin with, in my view,” Jeffries told CNN. “I don’t know why the president decided to do this. I think the outcome was exactly the right outcome.”

The president shed light on his decision to give Cuellar an unconditional pardon by posting a letter he received from the rep’s daughters last month begging him to spare their father.

They pointed to Cuellar’s outspoken criticism of former President Joe Biden’s border policies and alleged his bluntness about the ex-prez may have been a factor in his indictment.

“We also believe that our father’s independence and honesty may have contributed to how this case began,” they wrote before later adding: “With all our hearts, we humbly ask that you show mercy and compassion to our parents.”

Cuellar, who voted to impeach Trump twice during his first term, was accused of taking bribes between 2014 and 2021 via “sham consulting contracts” and “a series of front companies and middlemen.”

Those firms were owned by Cuellar’s wife, Imelda, who “performed little to no legitimate work,” the Justice Department alleged.

The South Texas Democrat confirmed his reelection plans to reporters shortly after Trump announced the pardon.

“The Dems were vicious, and all because Henry strongly wanted, correctly, BORDER SECURITY! He was against illegals pouring into our Country, totally unchecked and unvetted,” Trump added on Truth Social.

“It was all very unfair what they were doing to him and his family, so much so that his daughters wrote me a beautiful letter about their parents,” Trump continued.

“I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people.”