Trump Threatens NC Senator Thom Tillis Over Vote Against ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
NORTH CAROLINA — Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina this week, accusing him of betraying both the state and the Republican Party by voting against Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Trump calls out Tillis for ‘68% tax increase’ narrative
In a fiery post shared on social media and reported by The Hill, Trump slammed Tillis for allegedly supporting a 68% tax increase by opposing what the former president claims would be the “Biggest Tax Cut in American History.”
“Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!” Trump wrote.
The proposed legislation narrowly passed the Senate in a 51–49 vote, despite vocal opposition from Tillis and a few other Republican senators. Tillis argued that the bill would strip North Carolina of nearly $39 billion in federal Medicaid funding, a cost he says the state cannot bear.
Trump signals primary challenge in 2026
Trump’s post hinted at plans to back a primary challenger for Tillis in his next reelection campaign.
“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis,” Trump claimed, saying he would meet with potential candidates who “will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina.”
He further accused Tillis of “grandstanding” for publicity, stating the senator was trying to boost his profile ahead of a “very difficult re-election.”
Republican divide emerges over major bill
The controversial legislation, spanning over 1,000 pages, has divided Senate Republicans. While Rand Paul also voted against it due to its $5 trillion debt ceiling hike, other GOP senators like Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Rick Scott eventually sided with Trump’s position and voted “yes.”
Trump’s remarks also took aim at Democrats, describing them as “evil, corrupt, and policy-wise incompetent,” but commended their ability to “vote as one group” without internal conflict.
Deadline looms, procedural delays expected
With July 4 marked as the deadline by Trump to pass the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced a procedural delay tactic — forcing the full bill to be read aloud, expected to take nearly 12 hours, before the vote-a-rama on amendments begins.
What do you think about this rift within the GOP?
Do you support Trump’s pressure campaign on Senator Tillis, or do you believe local interests come first? Share your views with the editorial team at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com and let your voice be heard in the Carolinas and beyond.
