Republican Senator Calls On Trump to Replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Sen. Thom Tillis is urging the President to oust Hegseth because of what he ...
time.com/article/2026/09/02/trump-hegseth-tillis-driscoll-resignation-pentagon/

Key FactsTillis Urges Trump to Replace Defense Secretary Hegseth
Sep 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: time.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: time.com
- Dan Driscoll resigned as Army Secretary on Monday; reported tensions with Hegseth had persisted for months.
- Tillis referred to a CBS list of about 20 military and civilian leaders ousted or stepping down since Hegseth’s confirmation.
- Tillis voted to confirm Hegseth; three Republicans opposed confirmation, making Vice President J.D. Vance the tiebreaking vote.
- Trump continues supporting Hegseth, calling his performance fantastic; Hegseth denies considering a 2028 presidential campaign.
I’d love to see Pete Hegseth fired because he’s incompetent and doing a horrible job. That’s kind of on a Christmas wish list.— Thom Tillis; quoted in a May interview with POLITICO, detailing criticisms of Pete Hegseth.
Growing Number of Republicans Are Sick of “Inept” Pete Hegseth: More and more Republicans want Trump to get rid of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
newrepublic.com/post/215090/republicans-sick-hegseth-firing

NC’s Tillis calls for Hegseth’s ouster after Army secretary’s resignation: Sen. Thom Tillis urged President Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317127321.html
NC’s Tillis calls for Hegseth’s ouster after Army secretary’s resignation: Sen. Thom Tillis called on President Donald Trump to replace the defense secretary ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317127321.html
Republican Rep Torches Pentagon Pete’s ‘Demeaning’ Attack on Woman: The Defense Secretary’s social media post was “demeaning.”
thedailybeast.com/republican-rep-torches-pentagon-petes-demeaning-attack-on-woman/
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday of “creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks” following Army ... Show more
‘He Would Not Be On My Team’: House Republican Adds To Hegseth Critiques
huffpost.com/entry/live-updates_n_6a956d45e4b07f4e6696ac03/liveblog_6a98f61de4b0e51a2d915103

OpinionWhat happens when Republican senators have nothing left to lose? Not much.: Often called the “Wounded Bear” or YOLO (“you only live once”) Caucus ...
thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/6057763-senators-abandoning-constitutional-checks/

OpinionAttorney General Blanche is already making Tillis look foolish for supporting him | Opinion
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316925617.html
Americans and Canadians who live on the border have “a unique relationship. They cross the border. They work together. They have families together,” Sen ... Show more
With new book, Thom Tillis is pretending to be the hero he isn’t | Opinion
READ MORE: With new book, Thom Tillis is pretending to be the hero he isn’t | Opinion
OpinionWith new book, Thom Tillis is pretending to be the hero he isn’t | Opinion: Sen. Thom Tillis has written a book about the MAGA world. It will probably have a ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316853153.html
Senate GOP Holdouts Now Say They'll Support Todd Blanche For Attorney General: "We look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary ...
huffpost.com/entry/live-updates_n_6a705787e4b07f03214394c9/liveblog_6a70ac27e4b0346d9be81d7a

Key FactsTrump Attacks Cornyn Over Blanche Nomination and $1.8 Billion Fund
Jul 31, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: huffpost.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: huffpost.com
- President Donald Trump attacked Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Friday morning because Cornyn opposes Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general over the fund.
- Cornyn lost the Texas Republican primary to Trump-backed Ken Paxton, and Trump threatened on July 30 to withdraw Blanche’s nomination until Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office.
- An IRS settlement granted Trump and his family immunity from tax audits and created the fund, which could pay Americans deemed to have been unfairly targeted by the government.
- Tillis said later Friday morning on X that he and Cornyn were working with Blanche to end the fund, but his confirmation had stalled because a personal presidential adviser would not amend the settlement.
Perhaps there has never been a group of people treated so badly in our Nation’s history.— Truth Social post by Donald J. Trump, around 7 a.m. on July 31, 2026.
With new book, Thom Tillis is pretending to be the hero he isn’t | Opinion
READ MORE: With new book, Thom Tillis is pretending to be the hero he isn’t | Opinion
Republican Senator Makes Startling Admission Ahead Of Todd Blanche Confirmation Vote
huffpost.com/entry/thom-tillis-todd-blanche-confirmation_n_6a721d3be4b02974827b667f

NC’s Thom Tillis critiques the ‘weirdos of the MAGA world’ in forthcoming book
READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
OpinionA Thom Tillis tell-all on MAGA? That’s laughable | Opinion: Our readers comment on Thom Tillis’ book, Donald Trump and climate change, Flock cameras ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316881083.html
Betrayed Republican Senator to Expose Trumpworld in Scathing New Memoir: A Republican senator with nothing left to lose says he’s out to “expose” the president’s ...
thedailybeast.com/betrayed-republican-senator-thom-tillis-to-expose-trumpworld-in-scathing-new-memoir/
Judiciary Committee advances stalled Blanche nomination for attorney general: The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advanced the nomination of Todd Blanche ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/6007353-judiciary-committee-blanche-nomination-attorney-general/

Thom Tillis has some advice for a struggling Michael Whatley | Opinion
READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: Thom Tillis has some advice for a struggling Michael Whatley | Opinion
How Cornyn and Tillis Got Played by Trump: Todd Blanche’s nomination moves forward, thanks to the art of the outrageous demand.
newrepublic.com/article/213989/cornyn-tillis-blanche-nomination-trump

Cowardly Republican Senator Admits Being Stampeded by Trump: One of two GOP lawmakers who capitulated and voted for Todd Blanche’s nomination was steamrolled by ...
thedailybeast.com/cornyn-admits-trump-left-him-powerless-to-stop-ag-pick/

Key FactsCornyn Says Trump Left Him Powerless on Blanche Vote
Aug 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
- Cornyn said Trump could not be restrained despite continuing to support the proposed fund, but that the fund was dead.
- Before the vote, Cornyn and Tillis had threatened to oppose Blanche in committee and sought Trump’s assurance that the $1.8 billion fund would not be revived.
- Both ultimately supported the nomination in the 12-10 vote, sending it to the full Senate.
- Trump claimed Cornyn sought to derail the nomination in retaliation for Trump supporting Ken Paxton, a claim Cornyn denied.
There’s nothing we could do to rein in the president when he said he likes the fund and he wishes it still exists. But the fact of the matter, it’s dead, and that’s all we could do under these circumstances.— John Cornyn, speaking on the Hill on Tuesday about the president and the so-called 'weaponization fund'.
On Blanche vote, Cornyn and Tillis say their holdout was about principle: Two Republican senators voted yes on Todd Blanche's nomination to be attorney general ...
csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2026/0804/blanche-cornyn-tillis-trump

Paid articlePaywall‘He’s Lost My Confidence’: GOP Senators Souring On Hegseth: “I think he’s got a massive insecurity complex," Sen. Thom Tillis said.
huffpost.com/entry/live-updates_n_6a6713c7e4b047853043da09/liveblog_6a677982e4b00feba8466c14

Key FactsPentagon Leadership Faces Growing Republican Doubts
Jul 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
- Republican senators express increasing skepticism about Hegseth’s management as the Iran war extends with no resolution.
- Unexpected blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and allied attacks have challenged Pentagon preparedness.
- Hegseth is criticized for forcing out senior military leaders and blocking promotions of women and minorities.
- War expenses exceed $132 billion, fueling concerns about leadership and transparency within the Department of Defense.
NC Sen. Thom Tillis satisfied with 1776 fund agreement; plans to confirm Blanche
READ MORE: NC Sen. Thom Tillis satisfied with 1776 fund agreement; plans to confirm Blanche READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
Epstein Survivors Say Republicans Ghosted Them Before Blanche Vote: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse say they were stood up after having scheduled a meeting ...
newrepublic.com/post/213959/epstein-survivors-say-republicans-ghosted-blanche-vote

‘They Got Played Big Time!’ MS NOW Legal Analyst Says Cornyn, Tillis Were Fooled by Blanche Memos
mediaite.com/politics/they-got-played-big-time-ms-now-legal-analyst-says-cornyn-tillis-were-fooled-by-blanche-memos/

Hoping for Confirmation in Office: Todd Blanche Officially Buries Trump's Compensation Plan
n-tv.de/politik/Todd-Blanche-beerdigt-Trumps-Entschaedigungsplan-offiziell-id31153246.html

Thom Tillis Says Pete Hegseth Has 'Lost My Confidence' as Iran War Drags On: Republican Senator Thom Tillis has escalated his criticism of Pentagon leadership ...
newsweek.com/thom-tillis-pete-hegseth-lost-my-confidence-iran-war-12250753

Jon Stewart Exposes Outgoing Senate ‘Cowards’ Caving to Trump: “Freed from the bounds of primaries and losing your job, they still suck,” Stewart said.
thedailybeast.com/obsessed/jon-stewart-exposes-outgoing-senate-cowards-john-cornyn-and-thom-tillis-caving-to-trump/

Key FactsStewart Criticizes Cornyn and Tillis Over Blanche Support
Aug 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
- Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after a standoff with Trump over the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
- They could have blocked Blanche’s full Senate confirmation and used that leverage to press Trump to abolish the fund, which the article describes as intended for payouts to January 6 Capitol attackers.
- After Blanche published written orders abolishing the fund on Sunday, Cornyn and Tillis abandoned their effort to ensure its termination.
- On his Weekly Show podcast, Jon Stewart sarcastically questioned the value of a Trump promise and criticized both senators for retreating even though neither was facing re-election.
There is no more honorable a promise than a Trump promise.— Jon Stewart, sarcastically on The Daily Show Weekly Show podcast, commenting on Senators Cornyn and Tillis and Trump's promise.
Endangered Republican Senator Suddenly Opposes Trump’s AG: The GOP holdout could complicate the acting AG’s confirmation vote later this week.
thedailybeast.com/endangered-republican-maine-senator-susan-collins-suddenly-opposes-trumps-ag-todd-blanche/

MAGA rebel condemns ‘payout pot for punks’ after Trump says he’s reviving his $1.8B ‘slush fund’
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-slush-fund-thom-tillis-todd-blanche-b3025841.html

Don’t Believe Todd Blanche About Trump’s Slush Fund From Hell: The attorney general nominee did not kill off Trump’s egregiously corrupt fund ...
thebulwark.com/p/dont-believe-todd-blanche-about-trump-slush-fund-from-hell-cornyn-tillis

In face of GOP criticism, Trump considers withdrawing Blanche’s nomination for now. Will it be ‘risky?’ Senator says, ‘Well, yeah, duh’
wegotthiscovered.com/politics/in-face-of-gop-criticism-trump-considers-withdrawing-blanches-nomination-for-now-will-it-be-risky-senator-says-well-yeah-duh/

Epstein Survivors Blast Republican Rebels Over Blanche Vote: “The treatment we received from senators throughout this process was just as revealing ...
thedailybeast.com/epstein-survivors-blast-republican-rebels-over-blanche-vote/

President Trump delivered an ultimatum to Sens. Thom Tillis and John Cornyn on Saturday, telling them to stop stalling on confirming Todd Blanche as attorney ... Show more
Trump’s receipts don’t back up new election claims: In today’s issue: ▪ Trump points finger at China ▪ Tillis stands his ground ▪ Trump’s teleprompter operator ...
thehill.com/newsletters/morning-report/5973639-donald-trump-election-interference-claims-vs-white-house-docs/

Key FactsTrump's Campaign to Undermine Election Integrity
Jul 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Trump presented unsubstantiated claims of foreign election interference, despite contradictory evidence in public documents.
- Federal authorities seized election materials in Fulton County, Georgia, even after votes were verified multiple times.
- These actions aim to erode election security and cast suspicion on voter groups, disproportionately affecting Black communities.
- Legislation like the Save America Act proposes stricter voter ID and citizenship verification requirements nationwide.
To this president, any election he loses is a crime scene.— Jamil Smith, Guardian US columnist; closing line of the article
Once again, Tough Talkin’ Thom Tillis loses his edge | Opinion
READ MORE: Once again, Tough Talkin’ Thom Tillis loses his edge | Opinion
Epstein survivors again urge senators not to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general
abcnews.com/US/epstein-survivors-urge-senators-confirm-todd-blanche-attorney/story

What one Epstein survivor wants Tillis to know about Todd Blanche | Opinion
READ MORE: What one Epstein survivor wants Tillis to know about Todd Blanche | Opinion READ MORE: What one Epstein survivor wants Tillis to know about Todd Blanche | Opinion
Trump Humiliated as He’s Forced to Beg His Foes for Help: Trump has found himself at the mercy of the very senators he spent years insulting.
thedailybeast.com/trump-humiliated-as-hes-forced-to-beg-his-foes-thom-tillis-and-john-cornyn-for-help-with-todd-blanche/

Tillis shouts at Vought, tired of picking up ‘DOGE s‑‑‑ because people did it wrong’
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5972513-tillis-lambasts-vought-doge/

Tillis: SAVE America Act is ‘dead’ as time has run out to implement new voting rules
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5951419-thom-tillis-senate-gop-save-america-act-fate/

WATCH: Tillis says he won't vote to confirm Blanche unless nominee meets with Epstein survivors
pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-tillis-says-he-wont-vote-to-confirm-blanche-unless-nominee-meets-with-epstein-survivors

Thom Tillis vs. Blanche, teen takeovers: What Charlotte was talking about July 13-19
READ MORE: Thom Tillis vs. Blanche, teen takeovers: What Charlotte was talking about July 13-19 READ MORE: Thom Tillis vs. Blanche, teen takeovers: What Charlotte was talking about July 13-19
OpinionOnce again, Tough Talkin’ Thom Tillis loses his edge | Opinion: Our readers comment on I-77, summers and teachers, Republicans and women, Trump and Iran ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316548435.html
Epstein survivor says Blanche meeting left her ‘disappointed, disturbed and undaunted’
thehill.com/homenews/administration/5975996-jess-michaels-epstein-survivor-todd-blanche-meeting-reaction/

High-profile Trump nominees pose test for outgoing Republicans: Several high-profile Trump administration nominees face committee votes in the coming weeks that ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5975550-blanche-schwartz-clayton-confirmation-battles/

“Cute”: GOP Senator Shuts Down Mike Johnson’s Plan to Pass SAVE Act: House Speaker Mike Johnson continues to struggle with Donald Trump’s signature legislation.
newrepublic.com/post/212741/republican-senator-mike-johnson-save-act

At Blanche confirmation hearing, the old Thom Tillis returns with a whimper | Opinion
READ MORE: At Blanche confirmation hearing, the old Thom Tillis returns with a whimper | Opinion READ MORE: At Blanche confirmation hearing, the old Thom Tillis returns with a whimper | Opinion
Epstein survivor says acting AG Blanche was 'abrasive, condescending' during meeting
abcnews.com/Politics/blanche-meet-epstein-victims-earn-confirmation-vote-sen/story

Tillis: Passing SAVE America Act before midterms is an ‘impossible task’: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Sunday said ensuring the Safeguard American Voter ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5944561-tillis-save-act-impossible/

"The SAVE America Act will not be implemented in time for this election," Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) told reporters on Thursday ... Show more
‘What Freaking Parallel Universe?’: GOP Senator Mocks Trump’s Reflecting Pool Claims
huffpost.com/entry/thom-tillis-reflecting-pool-donald-trump_n_6a3b1346e4b0488a51b155ae

Sen. Warren implies NC’s Tillis is chicken, makes ‘bok bok’ sounds at him at hearing
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article316234896.html

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) blasted President Trump’s new acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte, as “an incompetent sycophant” on Tuesday ... Show more

Thom Tillis Calls Out Trump Pardoning Rioters Who Attacked Cops While Wanting 10-Year Jail Sentences For V ...
mediaite.com/politics/thom-tillis-calls-out-trump-pardoning-rioters-who-attacked-cops-while-wanting-10-year-jail-sentences-for-vandals/

Sen. Thom Tillis criticized Jeanine Pirro for wanting to prosecute people accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool. He said that was hypocritical because ... Show more
Trump Fumes as Republican Senator Delivers Todd Blanche an Ultimatum: Senator Thom Tillis is standing in the way of Attorney General Todd Blanche.
newrepublic.com/post/211450/trump-tillis-todd-blanche-ultimatum

Tillis: Pirro can’t be taken ‘seriously’ for prosecuting alleged reflecting pool vandalism
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5936446-tillis-pirro-reflecting-pool-prosecution/

Tillis knocks Senate GOP colleague for ‘bulls—‘ on social media: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) didn’t mince any words Tuesday in calling out what he characterized as ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5937766-thom-tillis-mike-lee-social-media-save-america-act/

Key FactsTillis Challenges Trump’s Pick for Intelligence Chief
Jun 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
- Senator Thom Tillis criticized Bill Pulte as lacking the qualifications to be confirmed as permanent DNI.
- Pulte has no intelligence or geopolitical experience and is viewed as a loyalist to former President Trump.
- Tillis warned that Pulte’s appointment could undermine crucial legislative efforts currently underway in Congress.
- Despite opposition, the administration plans for Pulte to serve as acting DNI while holding multiple roles.
I don't think he has a prayer— Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on CNBC's Squawk Box about Bill Pulte's chances of confirmation as DNI.
Republican Senator Attacks GOP for Becoming “Circular Firing Squad”: Senator Thom Tillis is fed up with his party over their recent votes.
newrepublic.com/post/211573/republican-senator-tillis-gop-circular-firing-squad

Republicans Revolt Against Trump Again With SAVE Act Vote, Spark MAGA Fury: GOP Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell and Thom Tillis thwarted ...
newsweek.com/republicans-revolt-against-trump-save-act-vote-spark-maga-fury-murkowski-mcconnell-tillis-collins-12035123

Republican Exiles Make the Case Against Trump: Targeted by the big orange boss and ousted from Congress, they’re finally speaking up.
thebulwark.com/p/republican-exiles-make-the-case-against-trump

Republican Predicts Election Disaster for Trump Over Alarming Trend: The senator said his party could be headed for an even worse wipeout than the Democrats’ ...
thedailybeast.com/republican-predicts-election-disaster-for-trump-over-alarming-trend/

Thom Tillis, Michael Whatley take different stances on ‘anti-weaponization’ fund: Sen. Thom Tillis will file an amendment to block a $1.8B DOJ fund while Michael ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article315991804.html
Trump breaks silence after GOP revolt over his $1.8B ‘slush fund’ sees Congress head for vacation
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-anti-weaponization-fund-republicans-vacation-b2982036.html

Thom Tillis Invokes Cannibal Serial Killer In Rebuke Of MAGA Senate Candidate: Sen. Thom Tillis seemed to take a "nothing to lose" approach during a ...
huffpost.com/entry/thom-tillis-trump-weaponization-fund-paxton-endorsement-iran_n_6a13199fe4b0f1ba1f6688d8

Republican Senator Trump Called ‘RINO’ Warns ‘Stupid Stuff’ Is Hurting GOP: The Trump-Tillis clash escalated as the senator warned the DOJ “anti-weaponization” ...
newsweek.com/trump-tillis-rino-clash-weaponization-fund-11984901

Tillis: Hegseth makes Noem look like ‘five-star recruit’: Republican Sen. Thom Tillis (N.C.) on Sunday slammed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5893252-tillis-slams-hegseth-defense/

Trump digs in over $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund amid GOP backlash: President Trump is digging in over the Justice Department's $1.8 billion ...
usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/05/22/trump-weaponization-fund-senate-republicans-justice-department/90216031007/
Key Facts$1.8B Fund Supports January 6 Capitol Attack Allies
May 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A $1.776 billion fund was created to compensate individuals considered victims of political 'weaponization,' including January 6 Capitol riot defendants.
- Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader sentenced to 22 years, intends to apply for between $2 and $5 million from the fund.
- The fund faces bipartisan criticism over legality and a provision preventing IRS audits of Trump and his businesses.
- Lawsuits have been filed by Capitol police officers opposing the fund, while debates continue on whether those who attacked police qualify for compensation.
You're talking about peanuts. It destroyed the lives of many, many people.— Donald Trump; commenting on the $1.776 billion 'weaponization' fund for Capitol riot victims
Trump, Tillis feud over $1.8 billion fund for those deemed politically persecuted
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article315840679.html

Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis went off on Senate hopeful Ken Paxton after President Donald Trump endorsed him just ahead of his primary runoff election.

‘Stupid On Stilts’: GOP Senator Destroys Trump’s 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the fund "the definition of tyranny."
huffpost.com/entry/gop-senator-rips-trump-anti-weaponization-fund_n_6a0f8bd5e4b084c012e4d32d

‘Goes to Show You How Stupid They Are’: Tillis Lets Loose on Trump Advisers - POLITICO
politico.com/news/magazine/2026/05/22/thom-tillis-trump-republicans-interview-00928214

Tillis ramps up criticism of DOJ compensation fund: ‘It‘s politically tone-deaf’: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) took another swipe at the Department of Justice’s ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5893971-thom-tillis-donald-trump-doj-compensation-fund-scrutiny/

GOP Senator Revolts Against ‘Stupid on Stilts’ Trump Plan: “Whoever did it should be fired,” Sen. Thom Tillis said.
thedailybeast.com/gop-senator-revolts-against-stupid-on-stilts-trump-plan/

Tillis slams emerging Iran deal, offers sharp criticism for Pete Hegseth: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Sunday added his voice to other Republicans criticizing an ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5893248-tillis-criticizes-iran-peace-deal/

