Fact Check: "Tillis vows not to bow to Trump when North Carolina's health is at risk."
What We Know
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently made a statement regarding his position on a Senate reconciliation vote that is relevant to the claim. In his statement, he emphasized that he would prioritize the interests of North Carolina over party loyalty, stating, “I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party” (Tillis Statement on Senate Reconciliation Vote). He expressed concerns that the proposed bill would lead to significant funding cuts for North Carolina, particularly affecting hospitals and rural communities, which could jeopardize Medicaid coverage for many residents.
Tillis's refusal to support the bill was framed as a commitment to protect the health and welfare of his constituents, indicating that he would not simply align with party lines or with former President Trump's preferences if it meant risking the health of North Carolinians. He specifically mentioned that the bill would result in "tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina," which he deemed unacceptable (The Hill).
Analysis
The claim that Tillis vowed not to bow to Trump when North Carolina's health is at risk is supported by his recent statements. His declaration of prioritizing North Carolina's needs over party loyalty is a significant assertion, especially given the context of his criticism of the Senate bill associated with Trump. Tillis's comments suggest a clear stance against compromising state health interests for political alignment, which aligns with the claim.
However, it is essential to consider the broader context of Tillis's political career and his relationship with Trump. While he has made this statement, his past support for Trump and alignment with many of his policies raise questions about the consistency of his position. For instance, Tillis has previously supported Trump's initiatives, which complicates the narrative of him standing firmly against Trump on health issues (The Independent).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is strong, as they include direct statements from Tillis and reputable news outlets reporting on his actions and statements. The statements are recent and reflect his current political stance, making them relevant to the claim being evaluated.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Senator Thom Tillis's statements indicate a commitment to prioritize North Carolina's health over political allegiance to Trump, particularly in the context of the Senate reconciliation vote. His assertion that he will not support measures detrimental to his constituents' health aligns with the claim made. While his historical relationship with Trump may suggest a more complex dynamic, the specific claim regarding his recent vow stands validated by his statements and actions.
