Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina believes Republicans should not be labeled disloyal for disagreeing with President Donald Trump. He argues that some White House officials overly stress loyalty to Trump instead of accepting policy differences within the party.
Tillis Rejects ‘Loyalty Test’
Speaking to reporters, Tillis emphasized the need to move away from labeling one disagreement with the president as disloyalty. He noted, “I’ve supported the president more than 90 percent of the time on votes that matter.” However, he stressed the importance of expressing disagreements.
Tillis criticized what he sees as a culture demanding ideological conformity around Trump. “People in the White House need to get over a loyalty test or a perfect test,” he said. “I’m not here to please the president, I’m here to please the people that voted for me in North Carolina.” He suggested that Republicans may need to distance themselves from the White House if their policy disagreements are genuine.
The senator highlighted the war with Iran as an example where Republicans might sincerely disagree. “If they believe maybe we need to look a little bit differently in the Iran war—or pick a subject—that’s not being disloyal,” Tillis explained.
Rift With Trump Has Deepened
Tillis’ remarks are part of ongoing public disagreements with the Trump administration. In July, he criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, expressing loss of confidence over the handling of the Iran war. “He’s all over the place,” Tillis told The Hill, criticizing Hegseth’s micromanagement and concerns about Pentagon leadership. Trump defended Hegseth, stating, “No. I think he’s done a great job. We’ve pretty much destroyed their military.”
Earlier tensions included Tillis opposing an anti-weaponization fund tied to a settlement between Trump and the IRS, which led Trump to label him a “RINO (Republican in Name Only).” Tillis responded, “If opposing these things makes me a RINO, then I gladly accept that nickname,” urging Republicans to focus on November elections.
Tillis also backed a bipartisan resolution with senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul, requesting congressional authorization or cessation of the Iran war. “We’re reaching a point to where we just need answers,” he noted, wanting clarification on what constitutes success.
In defense of its stance, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly cited bipartisan briefings to Congress and Trump’s actions to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapon capabilities.
Tillis Clashes With Trump
Tillis’ criticism extends to Trump’s advisers, questioning the decision-making processes during Todd Blanche’s U.S. attorney general nomination standoff. “The president’s getting bad advice,” Tillis claimed, blaming a specific adviser for the prolongation of the dispute.
His independence is marked by disagreements over the DOJ’s investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Homeland Security critiques, opposition to proposed Greenland deals, and pardons for January 6 Capitol riot defendants. These conflicts position Tillis as one of the Senate’s more independent Republicans.
Announcing he would not seek reelection in 2026, Tillis is more vocal about challenging administration policies and decisions he considers flawed. “In fact, I think it’s the ultimate act of loyalty to be truthful to the president and the administration,” he concluded.