Sen. Thom Tillis Critiques Trump Administration and Reflects on Political Career

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina is exiting the Senate with strong criticisms of the advisors surrounding President Trump. Describing them as sycophants, Tillis calls on his colleagues to uphold the power of Congress as a coequal branch of government. In his new book, How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents, Tillis expresses concern over the erosion of checks and balances under the Trump administration, warning of a potential ‘dictator king.’ Having served under Presidents Obama, Biden, and Trump, he points to a troubling pattern of increasing executive influence.

Challenges with Executive Orders

Tillis argues that the use of executive orders has been a persistent issue across recent administrations. He emphasizes the importance of Congress maintaining its power and not conceding to the executive branch.

‘Every administration has sought to govern by executive order,’ Tillis states, criticizing not only Trump but also the Democratic-controlled Senate under Obama and Biden. He believes Congress’s tendency to grant power to the White House often backfires.

Political Standoff and Retirement

First elected in 2014, Tillis, a conservative supporter of the Second Amendment and limited government, clashed with Trump’s administration. The conflict peaked in 2025 when Tillis opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he believed would harm low-income North Carolinians. Trump’s criticisms led Tillis to retire instead of seeking reelection.

Criticism of Trump’s Cabinet

Tillis has been outspoken against certain Trump administration officials, calling for the removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and others. He criticized their failure to provide sound advice to the President. While Tillis supported all Trump Cabinet nominees initially, he later regretted some decisions, notably concerning military actions in Iran led by Hegseth.

Views on Capitol Riots and Impeachment

Tillis condemns the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, yet he voted against Trump’s conviction, labeling the impeachment process as rushed. He questions the politicization of impeachment and its impact on future presidential candidacies.

Upcoming Midterms and Party Dynamics

With the midterm elections approaching, Tillis predicts a tough outcome for Republicans due to affordability issues and political strategy missteps. He notes a widespread reluctance among senators to publicly oppose Trump, fearing repercussions.

In his book, Tillis mentions that many Republican senators share concerns about Trump’s presidency privately. They fear political retaliation if they publicly dissent, creating an environment where silence prevails to avoid presidential targeting.