Trump Threatens Tillis's Political Future Over 'Big Beautiful Bill' Betrayal

Paul Riverbank, 6/29/2025Trump attacks Senator Tillis over opposition to tax bill, revealing deeper Republican Party divisions.

Let me paint the picture: Tillis, typically a reliable conservative voice, has drawn Trump's ire by opposing legislation that, on its face, seems tailor-made for Republican support. The bill would slash taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security – classic conservative territory. Yet Tillis isn't buying it.

"I did my homework," Tillis told reporters last week, his voice carrying the kind of conviction I've rarely heard from him. He's worried about North Carolina losing billions in Medicaid funding – the kind of dollars that keep rural hospitals open and provide healthcare to thousands of his constituents.

Trump's response was vintage Donald. He fired off a Truth Social post claiming Tillis supports "a 68% Tax Increase" – a statement that made several of my fact-checking colleagues spill their coffee. The bill actually reduces taxes, which makes Trump's claim particularly puzzling.

I've covered enough political feuds to know when something bigger is brewing. Trump's threat to meet with potential primary challengers to Tillis isn't just about this bill – it's about enforcing party discipline. But here's what fascinates me: several GOP senators are choosing to stand with Tillis. Ron Johnson, Rand Paul – not exactly RINO's by anyone's definition – have joined the opposition.

The numbers tell their own story. The Congressional Budget Office projects a $2.4 trillion deficit impact over ten years. Republican leadership disputes this, but I've noticed they're not exactly trumpeting their own calculations.

What's particularly interesting is watching Lisa Murkowski's evolution on this. After securing Alaska-specific provisions, she's now backing the bill. It's a classic example of how Washington really works – all politics is local, even in national legislation.

For Tillis, this is a calculated gamble. His reelection isn't until 2026, but in politics, memories are long. He's betting that North Carolina voters will respect his focus on their healthcare more than they'll punish his break with Trump. Having covered North Carolina politics for years, I'd say that's not a bad bet.

Behind the scenes, Senate leadership is scrambling. John Thune and John Barrasso are working the phones, but from what my sources tell me, they're finding it harder than expected to bridge this divide. The July 4 deadline looms large, and the path to passage grows narrower by the day.

This isn't just about one bill or one senator's stance. It's about the future direction of the Republican Party. Will it prioritize national leadership's demands, or will it allow room for senators to advocate for their states' specific needs? The answer to that question will shape conservative politics for years to come.

The Republican Party's latest internal struggle isn't just another DC dust-up – it's revealing deep fissures in how the GOP approaches governance in the post-Trump era. I've watched similar conflicts unfold before, but this clash between former President Trump and Senator Thom Tillis over the "Big Beautiful Bill" cuts to the heart of today's Republican identity crisis.Let me paint the picture: Tillis, typically a reliable conservative voice, has drawn Trump's ire by opposing legislation that, on its face, seems tailor-made for Republican support. The bill would slash taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security – classic conservative territory. Yet Tillis isn't buying it."I did my homework," Tillis told reporters last week, his voice carrying the kind of conviction I've rarely heard from him. He's worried about North Carolina losing billions in Medicaid funding – the kind of dollars that keep rural hospitals open and provide healthcare to thousands of his constituents.Trump's response was vintage Donald. He fired off a Truth Social post claiming Tillis supports "a 68% Tax Increase" – a statement that made several of my fact-checking colleagues spill their coffee. The bill actually reduces taxes, which makes Trump's claim particularly puzzling.I've covered enough political feuds to know when something bigger is brewing. Trump's threat to meet with potential primary challengers to Tillis isn't just about this bill – it's about enforcing party discipline. But here's what fascinates me: several GOP senators are choosing to stand with Tillis. Ron Johnson, Rand Paul – not exactly RINO's by anyone's definition – have joined the opposition.The numbers tell their own story. The Congressional Budget Office projects a $2.4 trillion deficit impact over ten years. Republican leadership disputes this, but I've noticed they're not exactly trumpeting their own calculations.What's particularly interesting is watching Lisa Murkowski's evolution on this. After securing Alaska-specific provisions, she's now backing the bill. It's a classic example of how Washington really works – all politics is local, even in national legislation.For Tillis, this is a calculated gamble. His reelection isn't until 2026, but in politics, memories are long. He's betting that North Carolina voters will respect his focus on their healthcare more than they'll punish his break with Trump. Having covered North Carolina politics for years, I'd say that's not a bad bet.Behind the scenes, Senate leadership is scrambling. John Thune and John Barrasso are working the phones, but from what my sources tell me, they're finding it harder than expected to bridge this divide. The July 4 deadline looms large, and the path to passage grows narrower by the day.This isn't just about one bill or one senator's stance. It's about the future direction of the Republican Party. Will it prioritize national leadership's demands, or will it allow room for senators to advocate for their states' specific needs? The answer to that question will shape conservative politics for years to come.