Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has sharply criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), calling him a 'failure' and unfit for the U.S. Senate. In a Sunday interview on CNN's 'State of the Union,' Tillis contrasted Paxton with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), whom he praised as a 'powerful' and 'influential' member of the Senate GOP. Tillis also warned that President Donald Trump's policies could harm Republican chances in the upcoming elections.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) publicly rebuked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) during a CNN interview, calling him a 'failure' and stating he 'doesn’t deserve to be in the U.S. Senate.' Tillis also criticized Trump's 'anti-weaponization fund' and other policies, warning they could hurt Republican prospects in November. He praised Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) as a strong and effective senator.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Tillis' Criticism of Paxton
Tillis described Paxton as an 'empty suit' who would be a liability for the Republican conference. He urged Texans to support Cornyn in the upcoming primary, emphasizing Cornyn's record on Second Amendment rights, limited government, and America First policies. Tillis' remarks come as Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Paxton, who is backed by Trump.
Tillis' Stance on Trump
Tillis has increasingly distanced himself from Trump since announcing he would not seek reelection in 2026. He has criticized Trump's advisors, including Stephen Miller, and blamed them for policies he believes are politically damaging. Trump has publicly attacked Tillis, calling him a 'nitpicker' and a 'quitter' after Tillis declined to endorse him.
Broader Republican Divisions
Tillis is not alone in his criticism. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has also faced backlash from Trump after voting to convict him in his second impeachment trial. Cassidy has since broken with many Republicans on issues like war powers and the 'anti-weaponization fund.' These divisions highlight tensions within the GOP between Trump-aligned and more moderate factions.
Implications for the GOP
Tillis' warnings suggest a growing concern among some Republicans that Trump's policies and endorsements could alienate voters and weaken the party's chances in the 2024 elections. His comments reflect a broader debate within the GOP about the party's direction and its relationship with Trump.