Fact Check: Trump Publicly Criticizes Tillis for Opposing the GOP's Massive Domestic Policy Bill
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina for opposing a significant domestic policy bill, which Trump referred to as the "big, beautiful bill." Tillis was one of only two Republican senators to vote against advancing this legislation, citing concerns over cuts to Medicaid that he argued would result in substantial funding losses for North Carolina's hospitals and rural communities (NBC News). Following Tillis's announcement, Trump took to social media to express his discontent, stating that numerous individuals had approached him about running against Tillis in the upcoming primary (Newsweek). Trump characterized Tillis's opposition as a "BIG MISTAKE for America" and accused him of seeking publicity for himself ahead of a challenging re-election campaign (NBC News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Trump criticized Tillis is robust. Trump's statements on social media directly targeted Tillis's decision to oppose the bill, and he explicitly threatened to support primary challengers against him. This aligns with Trump's historical pattern of exerting influence over Republican lawmakers who do not align with his agenda, as seen in his past threats against other GOP members who voted against him (NBC News, Newsweek).
Tillis's own comments further corroborate the claim. He confirmed that he had communicated his concerns about the bill to Trump in a "very professional" manner, indicating that he had indeed opposed the legislation due to its potential negative impact on North Carolina (NBC News). The context of the criticism is also significant; with Tillis facing re-election in a battleground state, Trump's remarks could have considerable implications for his political future.
In assessing the reliability of the sources, both NBC News and Newsweek are well-established news organizations known for their political reporting. Their coverage is based on direct quotes from Trump and Tillis, as well as contextual analysis of the political landscape, which enhances the credibility of the information presented.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump publicly criticized Tillis for opposing the GOP's domestic policy bill is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Trump not only expressed his displeasure but also threatened to support primary challengers against Tillis, reflecting the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding loyalty to Trump's agenda.
