Fact Check: "Tillis quits re-election race after Trump attacks him."
What We Know
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced on June 29, 2025, that he will not seek re-election in 2026. This decision came shortly after he publicly opposed a significant tax and spending bill championed by former President Donald Trump, which included cuts to healthcare programs. Tillis was one of only two Republican senators to vote against advancing this legislation, leading Trump to criticize him as "a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER!" and to threaten potential primary challenges against him (AP News, NPR). His announcement was unexpected for some within the Republican Party, as he had been expected to run for a third term (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that Tillis quit the re-election race following Trump's attacks is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press and NPR both report that Tillis's decision to retire was directly influenced by his opposition to Trump's agenda and the subsequent backlash he faced from the former president (AP News, NPR).
Tillis's statement emphasized the increasing difficulty of maintaining bipartisan efforts in a politically charged environment, suggesting that his decision was not solely based on Trump's attacks but also on a broader disillusionment with the current political climate (NPR). This context adds depth to the claim, indicating that while Trump's criticism was a catalyst, it was part of a larger narrative of political strife within the Republican Party.
The sources cited are credible and well-regarded in political reporting. The Associated Press, NPR, and Reuters are known for their journalistic integrity and thorough fact-checking processes. They provide a balanced view of the events, corroborating each other's accounts of Tillis's decision and the circumstances surrounding it.
Conclusion
The claim that Thom Tillis quit the re-election race after facing attacks from Donald Trump is True. His announcement to not seek re-election came immediately following his opposition to Trump's legislative agenda and the ensuing threats from Trump regarding primary challenges. This decision reflects both the immediate pressure from Trump and a broader sentiment regarding the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in today's political landscape.
Sources
- Following Trump attacks, Republican Senator Tillis bows ... Reuters
- North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis won't run in 2026 after opposing Trump ... AP News
- Republican Thom Tillis says will not seek reelection next year : NPR NPR
- Thom Tillis, Republican Senator, Won't Seek Re-election Amid Trump's ... New York Times
- Thom Tillis says he will retire following Trump attacks Politico
- Following Trump attacks, Republican Senator Tillis bows out of ... - MSN MSN
- GOP Sen. Tillis won't run for reelection after Trump threat ABC News
- Thom Tillis won't seek re-election after clash with Trump ... The Guardian
