Fact Check: "Tillis quits re-election race amid Trump's fury over spending package."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced that he would 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 to a backlash from Trump, who criticized him on social media, labeling him a "talker and complainer, NOT A DOER!" and suggesting he would support a primary challenge against Tillis (AP News, NPR).
Tillis expressed his frustrations with the current political climate, emphasizing the lack of bipartisanship and the difficulties faced by those who dissent from party lines. His announcement was unexpected for many in the Republican Party, as he had previously indicated plans to run for re-election later in the year (Reuters, New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Tillis quit the re-election race due to Trump's anger over his opposition to the spending package is supported by multiple credible sources. Tillis's decision was indeed influenced by Trump's public criticism and threats of a primary challenge, which he acknowledged in his statement about the political environment and his desire to prioritize personal over political commitments (AP News, NPR).
The timing of Tillis's announcement, just one day after his vote against the bill, suggests a direct correlation between his political stance and his decision to withdraw from the race. His remarks about the challenges of bipartisan politics and the pressures from within his party further reinforce the notion that his departure was a response to the current political dynamics shaped by Trump’s influence (Reuters, New York Times).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations, including the Associated Press, NPR, Reuters, and the New York Times, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. This adds credibility to the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Thom Tillis quit the re-election race amid Trump's fury over the spending package is accurate. His decision to withdraw was closely tied to his opposition to Trump's legislative agenda and the subsequent backlash he faced from the former president, which he acknowledged in his public statements.
