Tillis regrets Hegseth vote.
Senator Thom Tillis Calls His Confirmation Vote For Pete Hegseth Biggest Career Regret
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Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has called his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary the "biggest regret of my career," according to his new book AP News. Tillis defended the vote last year despite allegations against Hegseth involving management issues, treatment of women, and excessive drinking — all claims Hegseth denied. Now retiring from the Senate, Tillis is reversing course in a book titled "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents."
In the same book, Tillis also says he "should've stopped" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming Health and Human Services secretary Newsweek. The senator has broadened his criticism to include tariffs, immigration raids, and the Iran war — which he initially supported. Yet he still calls President Trump an "amazing political talent" and warns against authoritarianism.
How Tillis Went From Yes to His Biggest Regret
Last year, Tillis voted to confirm Hegseth despite public concerns about his record. The nomination faced scrutiny over allegations of heavy drinking and poor treatment of staff. Hegseth denied these claims. Tillis defended the vote then, but his new book reveals a complete reversal. LA Times reports that Tillis now questions Hegseth's core abilities for the job.
In the book, Tillis offers a blunt critique: Hegseth "is an actor. He's not a manager," according to ms.now. The senator's regret suggests he misjudged the Defense Secretary's fitness for managing the Pentagon — one of the largest organizations in the world.
Tillis Pulls Back on Trump Policies He Initially Backed
Tillis now criticizes several Trump administration moves he once supported. He opposes aggressive immigration raids, aggressive tariffs, and the Iran war — policies he backed early in Trump's second term Newsweek. His criticism signals growing concern among some Republicans about the direction of the administration.
Yet Tillis refuses to place full blame on Trump himself. He calls the president an "amazing political talent" while warning of a "slippery slope toward authoritarianism," AP News reports. This mixed message reflects Tillis' attempt to criticize specific policies without breaking with the Republican Party's leader.
A Retiring Senator's Election-Year Warning
Tillis is retiring from the Senate and won't run again, giving him more freedom to speak out. In his book, he predicts a "bloodbath" for Republicans in November's midterm elections U.S. News. His warning suggests deep concern about voter backlash against Trump policies.
By publishing his criticisms now, Tillis is placing a political marker for his legacy. He leaves office having supported Trump early but voiced doubts before departing. Whether his warnings influence other Republicans remains unclear, but his regrets reveal fractures within the party's ranks.
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