Republican Backstabs Trump
Is GOP Unity Starting to Crack?
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a respected voice among Senate Republicans, has raised serious concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership — casting doubt on a nomination once seen as rock-solid within the GOP ranks.
In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Tillis revealed he had initially pledged to follow the guidance of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Hegseth’s confirmation. “If they gave him a unanimous nod, I was ready to back that call,” he explained.
But times have changed.
“Today, I’m wondering if they gave him too much credit,” Tillis admitted. “Managing the world’s largest military bureaucracy requires more than charisma — it demands proven executive leadership.”
From Confidence to Concern
While Tillis didn’t directly call for Hegseth’s removal, his remarks suggest growing unease about whether Hegseth is truly fit to lead the Pentagon during such critical times. “Back then, with limited information, I stood by him. But with everything I’ve seen since — I’d think twice,” Tillis said.
Tillis Takes Aim at Trump’s Advisers
The senator also issued a scathing rebuke of certain figures surrounding President Trump. “My issue isn’t with the President,” he clarified. “It’s with the amateurs giving him advice — acting like they run the show the minute he’s out of the room.”
Tillis warned these self-proclaimed gatekeepers of power: “You don’t impress me, and I’ll be speaking out more in the months ahead.”
Trump-Tillis Tension Grows
Just last week, President Trump sharply criticized Tillis on social media after the senator refused to back what was dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” — a signature legislative push aimed at reshaping national defense and immigration policy.
Despite the pushback, many Republican senators still see Tillis as a disciplined, results-driven conservative — one who understands how to get things done without showboating. Several believe he remains the party’s best bet to hold onto his North Carolina seat in 2026.
Is the Deep State Winning This Round?
Tillis’ remarks hint at a deeper divide: frustration among traditional conservatives with what they view as a new breed of political operatives lacking experience but wielding outsized influence.
Will this internal friction affect GOP strategy in the months ahead? Can President Trump tighten his inner circle before the 2026 elections?
These questions loom large — and they’re exactly what grassroots voters will be watching closely as the MAGA movement continues to evolve.