Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has expressed deep regret over his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in January 2025, calling it the “biggest regret” of his career. In his forthcoming book, Tillis also reflects critically on his decision to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary during the early stage of former President Donald Trump’s second term.
Tillis, in "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents," defends his initial choice not to oppose Trump’s Cabinet nominees singlehandedly, describing his prior approach as an effort to avoid being "the lone voice in the wilderness." However, he makes clear in the book that, with hindsight, his vote in favor of Hegseth was a mistake. Tillis further criticizes other Trump Cabinet picks including former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The senator’s breaking point, as recounted in the book, came amid escalating tensions over a tax and spending cut bill that Trump championed, which Tillis opposed due to its Medicaid reductions. After Tillis publicly voiced his opposition, Trump launched personal attacks against him on social media. Tillis said he reached a limit, recalling telling himself, “I’m done,” and reaching out to Trump, suggesting the president find a Senate replacement. Trump responded, “I am! DJT.”
Tillis formally announced he would not seek reelection amid this fallout. In May 2026, Trump again criticized Tillis publicly, branding him a “QUITTER!” and other disparaging terms. Tillis shared that he responded with a profanity-laced text, telling Trump, “I care if you fail and right now we are failing.”
His book is marked by sharp criticism of Trump’s policies, including tariffs, immigration enforcement, and the military approach to Iran. Initially a supporter of the Iran war, Tillis now believes the conflict can only be resolved through a coalition of willing nations and by removing figures like Hegseth from key positions.
On the night of Hegseth’s confirmation vote, Tillis spent hours consulting with the White House, associates of Hegseth, and Hegseth himself before deciding he could not verify the most serious allegations against the nominee. His vote tied the Senate at 50-50, allowing Vice President JD Vance to cast the deciding vote.
Regarding Kennedy’s confirmation, Tillis conveys a sense of personal responsibility for the subsequent disruptions Kennedy’s tenure has caused. He also reflects on the balancing act GOP senators face, stating that outright opposition to Trump risks losing all influence, while opposition followed by defeat can leave them in a worse position.
Tillis warns colleagues against allowing executive overreach to go unchecked, cautioning that it ultimately undermines the majority party. He predicts a "bloodbath" for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections and urges party members to recognize their current trajectory. "All along, we’ve had multiple chances to get off the path and avoid the giant bronze monster chasing us down," he writes.