Thom Tillis Fires Back at Trump, Plans “Fun” Finale in Senate

On May 28, 2026, Sen. Thom Tillis (R‑NC) set a public tone for the final stretch of his Senate career by announcing he would “have a lot of fun” while staying engaged on policy issues. He fired back at President Donald Trump, who had leveled a series of harsh tweets at him, labeling the senator a “weak” and a “RINO.”

Tillis’s retort came amid growing Republican divisions. He sharply criticized the administration’s proposed DOJ “Anti‑Weaponization Fund,” calling it “stupid on stilts.” The fund, announced by the Department of Justice, was meant to distribute money without congressional oversight and, according to Tillis, would potentially compensate those who had been pardoned for January 6th offenses. He warned that such a move would “hurt Republicans in November.”

Trump’s reply on Truth Social was a scathing attack, calling Tillis a “loser” and a “nitpicker.” The senator countered on Twitter, listing the Trump administration’s agenda that he found “stupid,” and accepted the “RINO” label if it meant standing against policy he deemed harmful.

During the exchange, Tillis affirmed his commitment to “stand up for the Constitution” and focus on the interests of North Carolina constituents. He said that the last months in office would be an opportunity for “real work” and a chance to avert a serious politicized approach that could jeopardize Republican standing in the Senate. He will leave the Senate in 2027 after more than twelve years of service.

The feud underscores a rift that could influence Republican strategies as the 2027 mid‑terms approach and shows how prominent lawmakers are positioning themselves against the Trump administration’s legacy.