Sen. Thom Tillis (R.N.C.) on Sunday called Republican senators who oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointments “political opportunists” who pledged to fund primaries. I called him and criticized him.
“We’re not even part of the new administration yet,” Tillis said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday.” “We haven’t even seen the background check, but we know the government is sending us one.
“So there’s a lot of information that needs to be gathered. And these people who are raising major issues and running ads are more like political opportunists than thoughtful Republicans than I am.” “It looks like it,” he added.
Tillis said he did not believe the threat came from Trump. “Many of these are third parties making money from fundraising campaigns to run ads, but double-digit percentages are going into their pockets,” he said. “What I’m saying to them is that if they really support President Trump’s candidacy, they should stand back and let the candidate win on his own. I think most will.”
He added that he doesn’t think the pressure campaign has been “a good thing” for President Trump.
Tech mogul Elon Musk, who spent more than $250 million promoting Trump during the campaign, supports an internal challenge to Republican factions that don’t support Trump’s candidacy. He indicated his intention to do so.
Several of Trump’s nominees, including former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump nominated to be director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who he nominated to be director of national intelligence, have confirmed their appointments. This has drawn scrutiny from senators who need to vote for the issue. He heads the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last month, Musk responded to reports that he was threatening to defund primaries against House Republicans who “do not align with Trump’s policies.”
“That’s how you drain the swamp,” replied a user of Musk’s X. Musk responded to the user: “Is there any other way? There is no other way.”
And Musk and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk launched a primary challenge this month against Sen. Mike Rounds (R.S.D.), who questioned President Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI. threatened to support the person.
“Senator Rounds, you are up for re-election in 2026. If you vote against one of the Trump nominees, your challenge in the primaries will not be difficult,” Kirk wrote to X.
Musk responded, “Those who oppose reform will lose in the primaries and elections. Period.”
Kirk also slammed Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). He had previously expressed disapproval of the selection of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon.
Grassroots activists in Iowa have publicly criticized Ernst’s hesitance toward Hegseth, and Kirk criticized Ernst and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.S.C.) this month, writing of X: Pete Hegseth is the red line, if you vote against him there will be a primary. ”
Last week, the conservative group Heritage Action launched a $150,000 digital campaign targeting Republican senators in Alaska, Maine, Louisiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Utah, and South Dakota who are wary of supporting President Trump’s nominees. announced that it would start.
“On November 5th, the American people gave President Trump a mandate to implement and pass their top priorities as quickly as possible. We must do our part to ensure that we are prepared,” Heritage Executive Vice President Ryan Walker said in a statement announcing the campaign.
The pressure campaign and major threats are not the first time Tillis has faced intense scrutiny for departing from President Trump. Last year, the North Carolina Republican Party criticized Tillis at its annual convention, citing his “blatant violation of the party’s platform.”
On NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Graham dismissed the pressure campaign against Republican senators, telling host Kristen Welker: To resist. ”
He added that he is willing to fairly consider the merits of each option, depending on Trump’s choice. It’s necessary.”
Tillis on Sunday downplayed the hesitation of some Republican senators who have not yet publicly supported Trump’s nomination, including Patel and Hegseth.
“Kash Patel, who I work with, is on my committee, so he will enjoy solid Republican support on the Senate floor and come out of the committee.” Tillis said.
Tillis said Hegseth “will have to go before a committee and answer some questions about his experience with the organization, his past marriages, etc. If he’s running for a cabinet or deputy cabinet position, it’s all fair and square. It’s a great game,” he said. ”
Spokespeople for the Trump transition team, Turning Point Action and Heritage Action did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tillis’ remarks.
