Fact Check: "Tillis was one of only two Republicans opposing Trump's agenda bill."
What We Know
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, announced that he would not seek reelection shortly after opposing a significant legislative agenda pushed by former President Donald Trump. This agenda included a massive tax and immigration bill, which Tillis criticized for potentially causing significant Medicaid cuts that would adversely affect his constituents (Washington Post, New York Times). Notably, Tillis was indeed one of only two Republican senators who voted against a motion to initiate debate on this bill, alongside Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that "Tillis was one of only two Republicans opposing Trump's agenda bill" is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. Both the Washington Post and New York Times confirm that Tillis voted against the motion to start debate on the bill, which was a key part of Trump's domestic agenda. This action was significant enough that it prompted a public rebuke from Trump, who threatened Tillis with a primary challenge, indicating the political risks associated with opposing the former president (NPR).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The coverage reflects a consensus on Tillis's position and the implications of his vote, which aligns with the broader narrative of the Republican Party's dynamics under Trump's influence.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Tillis was one of only two Republicans opposing Trump's agenda bill" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Tillis, alongside Rand Paul, was indeed one of the very few Republican senators to oppose the motion to debate the bill, highlighting the political risks for Republicans who diverge from Trump's agenda.
