President Donald Trump returned Monday to his public dispute with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), again defending his decision to pardon the congressman and his wife while reaffirming his support for Republican challenger Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina in Texas’ 28th Congressional District.
Trump’s July 13 Truth Social post repeated word for word a statement he originally published January 6, 2026. The post included his explanation for pardoning Henry and Imelda Cuellar, his criticism of the congressman for seeking reelection as a Democrat and his support for Tijerina.
Trump renews pardon defense
Trump issued the Cuellars a full and unconditional pardon on December 2, 2025, while a federal criminal case against them remained pending. Federal prosecutors had charged the couple with participating in alleged bribery, unlawful foreign influence and money laundering schemes involving approximately $600,000 in payments from an Azerbaijani state-owned energy company and a Mexican bank.
The case did not produce a conviction before the pardon. The charges remained allegations that prosecutors had not proven at trial.
Trump again described the prosecution as “Political Weaponization” by the Biden administration, claiming officials targeted Cuellar because of his opposition to Democratic border policies. Trump also said Cuellar was “‘stupid’ in what he did,” although the criminal allegations were never adjudicated at trial.
The President again pointed to a November 12, 2025 letter from Cuellar’s daughters, Christina and Catherine, asking him to help their parents. Trump attached the three-page letter to his post, called it “heart wrenching and beautiful” and said he granted clemency without ever meeting Cuellar.
Trump then renewed his criticism of Cuellar for seeking reelection as a Democrat rather than switching parties.
“He was a weak and incompetent version of me,” Trump wrote, later adding that Cuellar’s border positions “were not strong, but they were better than other Democrats.”
Trump argued that Tijerina holds stronger positions on the border, taxes and the military and made clear that he intends to oppose Cuellar’s return to Congress.
Cuellar responded to Monday’s post by again thanking Trump while emphasizing his work in the district.
“I remain focused on my work for the 28th District of Texas, where border security, bringing costs down, and protecting Medicare and Social Security are top priorities,” Cuellar said in a statement to KGNS.
“Moving forward, I will stay focused on serving the priorities of my constituents, our state, and our country,” he added.
Tijerina carries Trump endorsement into November
Trump first endorsed Tijerina on January 6, 2026, after Cuellar filed to seek another term. Monday’s post marked his latest public show of support for the Republican challenger.
The National Republican Congressional Committee featured Tijerina in the second installment of its “MAGA Majority” video series on June 25, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
In an exclusive statement to The Dallas Express at the time, Tijerina said South Texas voters were ready to move on after more than two decades of Cuellar representing the district.
“South Texas is tired of Henry Cuellar – tired of the scandals, and tired of being put second,” Tijerina said. “He’s spent twenty years putting Henry first and all of us second.”
NRCC spokesman Christian Martinez echoed that message, contrasting Cuellar’s congressional tenure with Tijerina’s 12 years as Webb County judge. Tijerina says his record includes cutting the county tax rate five times and directing funding toward local law enforcement.
Tijerina has also emphasized his own record rather than relying solely on Trump’s endorsement. He told Spectrum News in a June 17 interview that his name, not Trump’s, would appear on the November ballot.
He has expressed hesitation about parts of the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, favoring a more targeted approach that prioritizes people with criminal records. Tijerina also expressed openness to a pathway to citizenship for people brought into the country illegally as children and to programs allowing foreign guest workers to enter legally.
Tijerina has also welcomed Trump’s support. After receiving the January endorsement, he said he was “honored” and pledged that the two would “take South Texas back and put America first,” according to KGNS.
Tijerina won the Republican primary outright on March 3, 2026. He will face Cuellar in the November 3, 2026, general election.
Provided by Dallas Express
