Senator Tillis Criticizes Trump’s Decisions Impacting GOP’s Senate Control

A Senate Republican has voiced concerns about former President Donald Trump’s decisions that may jeopardize the GOP’s control of the Senate. This marks another chapter in the strained relationship between Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Trump, dating back to the Republican efforts to pass the president’s significant legislative agenda last year.

On Friday, Trump targeted Tillis on Truth Social, calling him a “nitpicker.” Trump stated that he had refused to endorse Tillis for another term, leading Tillis to quit the race and announce his retirement. “When I told him that I would not, under any circumstances, endorse him for another run, too much work and drama (he couldn’t have won, anyway!), he immediately quit the race and publicly announced that he was going to ‘retire,'” Trump remarked. Trump’s comment labeled Tillis as a quitter, claiming, “Now he can have all the fun he wants for a few months, with some of his RINO friends, screwing the Republican Party.”

Since his decision not to seek re-election, Tillis has openly criticized Trump’s administration, especially targeting the president’s key advisors. He has expressed disapproval of the nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and numerous firings at the Pentagon. Tillis has also accused War Secretary Pete Hegseth of failing to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for the alleged war crimes against Ukrainian civilians.

Responding to criticism, Tillis mentioned on X, “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!” Tillis conveyed his concerns that these actions could harm the GOP’s election prospects.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended Trump, describing him as the “unequivocal leader,” best communicator, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party. She emphasized Trump’s commitment to preserving the Republican majority in Congress to achieve victories for the American populace. According to Wales, “In just over one year, the President has made our country greater than ever before with the most secure border in American history, the largest middle-class tax cuts ever, and the lowest murder rate since 1900.” She assured that Trump would starkly contrast his practical agenda against radical Democrats in Congress.

Internal GOP tensions have been exacerbated by decisions such as the “anti-weaponization” fund, which disrupted Congressional efforts to finance immigration operations nationwide for the remainder of Trump’s term. Tillis, among other Republicans, expressed concern about the DOJ-created fund and opposed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in private meetings. Tillis voiced concerns that the fund might aid January 6 rioters convicted of police assault. He highlighted the absurdity of compensating individuals guilty of physical actions against the president’s security personnel.

Alex Miller is a Fox News Digital correspondent specializing in U.S. Senate coverage.