Trump threatens backing primary challenge against GOP Sen. Thom Thillis over his 'big, beautiful bill' vote
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — On Saturday, President Donald Trump took aim at Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., due to his stance against a bill set to finance significant parts of Trump’s domestic agenda. Trump warned of potentially endorsing primary challengers as Tillis seeks re-election in the upcoming year.

“Many individuals have expressed interest in running against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis in the Primary,” Trump shared on Saturday night. “I’ll be consulting with them in the weeks ahead to find someone who will truly represent the incredible people of North Carolina and, just as importantly, the United States of America.”

Trump took to his social media to heavily critique Tillis for opposing the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill.” This was shortly after Tillis released a statement explaining his inability to back the bill as it stands, noting it would lead to anticipated Medicaid cuts, resulting in “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, affecting our hospitals and rural communities.”

Trump in return — via Truth Social — accused the two-term senator of grandstanding “in order to get some publicity for himself, for a possible, but very difficult re-election.”

“Looks like Senator Thom Tillis, as usual, wants to tell the Nation that he’s giving them a 68% Tax Increase, as [he is] opposed to the Biggest Tax Cut in American History!,” Trump wrote, adding, “Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!”

Tillis launched his Senate re-election campaign last December, but has faced calls to step aside due to concerns over his ability to win the race, particularly after polling found he trailed Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in a hypothetical match-up. Tillis won his previous two Senate races by fewer than two percentage points.

Prior to Trump’s post, Tillis told reporters Saturday evening that he gave the president a heads up about his opposition during a call he characterized as “very professional” and “very respectful.”

“I had a very good discussion with President Trump last night. I told him at that point that I had problems with the [Medicaid] implementation. And I said the House bill, I think, would be a good mark,” Tillis said. “I do believe the president is really focused on getting the tax portion of the bill done, and I support that, full stop. But it has evolved from a tax bill to one that includes health care and other things. And I said that in non-tax areas, we have a problem.”

Asked if he was concerned about Trump endorsing a primary challenge to him, Tillis responded, “No.”

Trump has threatened to primary GOP lawmakers critical of him in the past, wielding his influence to oust Republicans who voted to impeach him after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including former Utah Rep. Liz Cheney. Last week, two Trump advisers launched a super PAC aimed at removing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., another frequent critic of the administration’s agenda.

However, Trump hasn’t always followed through on the threats, opting against endorsing a primary challenger to Massie in 2024, and — according to the Tampa Bay Times — standing down on a threat to target a Florida state lawmaker that endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis during the 2024 presidential cycle.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Efforts to Locate Texas Flood Victims to Continue After Rain Delay

KERRVILLE, Texas – On Monday, teams were set to continue their search…

Stamp Prices Have Risen: Current Costs for Sending Mail

(NEXSTAR) — The United States Postal Service has, again, raised prices on…

Asian Stock Markets Show Mixed Performance Following a Dip in S&P 500 and Nasdaq

BANGKOK – Shares were mixed in Asia on Monday after the S&P…

Tillis’s Independence in Decision-Making Poses New Challenge for GOP Leadership

The decision by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to not seek reelection next…

Reports: John Elway Not Facing Charges in Business Partner’s Death

() John Elway will not be charged in the April incident in…

Democrats Demand Additional Evidence in Epstein Case

() Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, told he is calling for the release…

Christie Claims Trump Gained from Epstein-Related Conspiracy Theories

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a vocal opponent of President Trump,…

Texas Flood Victim Search to Continue Following Additional Rainfall

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Crews were scheduled to continue the search on…

Tragic Church Shooting in Kentucky Leaves 3 Dead, Including Suspect

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDKY) — In Lexington on Sunday, a series of events…

Wildfire Destroys Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon: Officials Report

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim…

Trump’s Representative Visits Kyiv with Anticipated Important Announcement on Russia

WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen.…

Over 30 Dead in Syria as Druze Militias and Sunni Bedouin Clans Face Off

DAMASCUS – In Syria’s Sweida province, more than 30 fatalities and nearly…