Overview

• Senator Tillis voted against President Trump’s flagship tax and spending law, citing politically damaging Medicaid cuts.
• In his first national interview since announcing his retirement, Tillis accused unnamed White House aides of being “amateurs” who misunderstood the law’s real-world impact.
• He likened the legislation to the Affordable Care Act in its potential to fuel a Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms.
• The North Carolina Republican said he intends to hold advisers accountable and may oppose reconfirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Tillis also disavowed support for former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson if he secures the GOP nomination for the open Senate seat.