Trump’s Clash with Tillis Sparks GOP Backlash After Surprise Retirement
Republican senators are expressing frustration over President Trump’s public takedown of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), which many believe directly contributed to the senator’s unexpected retirement announcement. Tillis, a well-respected lawmaker known for his bipartisan approach and loyalty to the party, faced sharp criticism from Trump after opposing the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Trump slammed Tillis on Truth Social late Saturday, accusing him of supporting tax hikes and turning his back on North Carolina’s tobacco industry. He also mocked Tillis’s stance on wind energy and implied the senator was out of touch with conservative values. The attacks came just hours after Tillis had spoken with Trump by phone, thinking they had reached an understanding about the bill.
Tillis, who had been undecided about seeking reelection in 2026, said Trump’s post prompted him to finalize his decision not to run again. Minutes after the Truth Social post, Tillis texted Trump, “Ack Mr. President. Start thinking about my replacement.”
Senate Republicans reacted with dismay. “It was totally unnecessary,” one senator said anonymously, adding that Trump’s outburst “doesn’t achieve anything good.” Others noted that Tillis had been in close contact with Trump and GOP leadership throughout negotiations over the bill.
Many colleagues praised Tillis as a team player who backed Trump’s agenda when it counted, including his vote to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Strategists warned that Trump’s treatment of a vulnerable incumbent sends a chilling message to other Republicans facing primary threats.
“This is every GOP senator’s worst nightmare—getting on the wrong side of Trump,” one Republican operative said.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) called Tillis’s departure a blow for the party, especially in a swing state like North Carolina. “He was a real asset here in the Senate,” Rounds said, adding that the race will now be a brutal and costly battle.
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also weighed in, calling Tillis’s decision “a setback” for Republicans and praising him as “one of the most effective and collegial members” of the Senate.
The Cook Political Report has since shifted North Carolina’s Senate race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up,” raising the stakes for GOP hopes of retaining control in 2026.
