President Donald Trump accused Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) of quitting his reelection bid after Trump refused to endorse him. Tillis, a frequent Trump critic, announced in June 2025 that he would not seek a third term. Trump endorsed Michael Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, to replace Tillis. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Tillis lacked courage and called him a 'quitter,' stating that Tillis 'immediately quit the race' after being denied an endorsement. Tillis did not respond to Trump's comments.
Tillis has been vocal in his opposition to Trump's policies, including the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' designed to compensate individuals allegedly wronged by the Biden administration. Tillis criticized the fund, calling it a 'payout pot for punks' and arguing that some recipients, including Jan. 6 rioters, should be in prison rather than receiving compensation. The fund was part of a settlement in Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
Trump's remarks come amid growing tensions within the Republican Party, with several GOP lawmakers criticizing aspects of his agenda. Trump has endorsed primary challengers against several Republican senators, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who lost his primary race after Trump backed his opponent.