Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has openly criticized President Donald Trump, saying the president’s decisions are “killing our chances” for Republicans to maintain control of the Senate. The tensions between Tillis and Trump have been ongoing, tracing back to last year during the GOP’s push to pass Trump’s controversial “big, beautiful bill.”
The latest friction erupted after Trump publicly accused Tillis of being a “nitpicker” on Truth Social. Trump described his reaction to Tillis’ retirement announcement, saying he had told the senator he would not endorse him for another run and praised his departure from the race.
Trump called Tillis a “quitter” and suggested he would now spend time with “some of his RINO friends, screwing the Republican Party.”
Tillis Criticizes Trump Administration Policies
Since announcing he would not seek reelection, Tillis has remained vocal about his opposition to several Trump administration actions, often targeting the president’s senior advisors. He specifically criticized:
- The nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund managed by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin.
- The promotion of 50-year mortgages and a bipartisan Senate housing package by Housing Director Bill Pulte.
- The push to acquire private companies with taxpayer money under Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
- The firing of top generals at the Pentagon and Trump’s perceived inaction on Putin’s atrocities in Ukraine, addressed to War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Tillis argued that these decisions have undermined Republican unity and warned, “If opposing these things makes me a RINO, then I gladly accept that nickname. We need Republicans to do well in November, but the stupid stuff is killing our chances!”
White House Responds
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended Trump, calling him “the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party.” Wales highlighted the president’s achievements over the past year, including border security, middle-class tax cuts, and the lowest murder rate since 1900, asserting that Trump will continue to contrast his agenda with what the White House described as “radical Democrats.”
Controversy Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
The $1.8 billion DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund has sparked particular concern among Senate Republicans. Tillis joined other GOP senators in criticizing the fund, fearing it could compensate individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot.
Tillis emphasized the absurdity of the situation: “A fund that is set up to compensate people who assaulted Capitol Police officers and other responding agencies, right? People that had pled guilty to physical acts against the president may actually be able to get compensated. How absurd does that sound coming out of my mouth?”
The controversy over the fund has complicated efforts to fund immigration operations nationwide and has become a flashpoint for internal GOP debate ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
