Fact Check: "Tillis slams Trump for relying on 'ivory tower' advisors!"
What We Know
Senator Thom Tillis publicly criticized President Donald Trump and his advisors regarding a significant tax and immigration bill, which he believed would negatively impact many North Carolinians by cutting Medicaid benefits. In a speech on the Senate floor, Tillis expressed his frustration that Trump's advisors did not inform him about the potential consequences of the bill, stating, "What do I tell 663,000 people in two years or three years when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off of Medicaid because the fundingβs not there anymore?" (Washington Post).
Tillis's remarks suggest a clear discontent with the decision-making process within Trump's administration, implying that the advisors were disconnected from the realities faced by everyday Americans. This sentiment aligns with his broader concerns about the bill's implications for his constituents (Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that "Tillis slams Trump for relying on 'ivory tower' advisors" is supported by Tillis's statements on the Senate floor, where he criticized the lack of communication from Trump's advisors regarding the Medicaid cuts. However, the specific phrase "ivory tower" is not directly quoted from Tillis's speech, which raises questions about the accuracy of the wording used in the claim.
The sources used to substantiate this claim include the Washington Post article, which provides a detailed account of Tillis's criticisms and the context surrounding his decision not to seek reelection. The reliability of the Washington Post is generally high, as it is a well-established news organization known for its investigative journalism.
However, the absence of direct quotes using the term "ivory tower" means that while Tillis did express significant criticism, the framing of the claim may exaggerate the nature of his remarks. The phrase "ivory tower" typically implies a disconnect from practical realities, which aligns with Tillis's sentiments but is not explicitly stated in his speech.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While it is accurate that Tillis criticized Trump and his advisors regarding their disconnect from the realities faced by his constituents, the specific language of "ivory tower" was not used in his remarks. This suggests that the claim captures the essence of Tillis's criticism but may not reflect his exact words.
Sources
- Congressional Record
- Congressional Record
- Thom Tillis won't seek reelection after opposing Trump's bill
- In Trump's circle, some expect high tariffs even after trade...
- Senator Thom Tillis rejects Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' over...
- IN definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
- Tillis won't seek reelection after Trump slams him over 'Big...
- IN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster