Fact Check: Trump Threatens Primary Challenges Against GOP Senator Thom Tillis
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Senator Thom Tillis for opposing a significant domestic policy bill. In a series of social media posts, Trump stated that "numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against 'Senator Thom' Tillis" and indicated he would be meeting with these potential challengers in the coming weeks (NBC News). This threat came shortly after Tillis voted against advancing the bill, citing concerns over cuts to Medicaid that could harm North Carolina’s healthcare funding (Axios).
Tillis, who is up for re-election in 2026, has been identified as a target for Democrats, having won his previous Senate races by narrow margins (NBC News). Despite Trump's threats, Tillis expressed confidence that he would not be affected by a potential primary challenge, stating he had a "very professional" conversation with Trump regarding his opposition to the bill (Politico).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Trump threatened primary challenges against Tillis is robust. Trump's own statements on social media clearly indicate his intention to explore backing a primary challenger (NBC News). Furthermore, the context of Tillis's vote against the bill adds weight to Trump's criticism, as it demonstrates a clear political motive behind the threat.
However, it is important to note that while Trump has a history of making such threats, he does not always follow through on them. For instance, he previously backed down from threats against other GOP lawmakers who criticized him (NBC News). This inconsistency raises questions about the seriousness of his current threat against Tillis.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from established news organizations such as NBC News, Politico, and Axios, which are known for their political reporting. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, especially given the polarized nature of contemporary politics.
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump threatens primary challenges against GOP Senator Thom Tillis" is True. Trump's explicit statements about meeting with potential challengers and his public criticism of Tillis confirm that he is indeed threatening to support a primary challenge against the senator. While past behavior suggests that Trump may not always act on such threats, the current context and his statements substantiate the claim.
