Tillis Warns Trump: 'Big Beautiful Bill' Could Be 'His Obamacare'

Senator Thom Tillis and the Controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from Huntersville, made a bold statement during an exclusive interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. He warned that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could become "Obamacare" under President Donald Trump. This remark comes at a critical time as the midterm elections approach, and it highlights the growing tensions within the Republican Party.

Tillis' decision to end his reelection campaign and vote against the Senate version of the bill has sent shockwaves through his party. The legislation, which includes many of Trump's priorities, was met with strong opposition from Tillis, who argued that it would have severe consequences for North Carolina's Medicaid program. According to Tillis, the bill could lead to 663,000 people losing their coverage and a $26 billion shortfall within a decade.

This move by Tillis caught many in the Republican Party off guard, especially since he is known for his candid and straightforward approach to politics. However, this rare interview with a national television outlet underscores the significance of his stance on the bill. Tillis emphasized that his decision was partly to ensure that his Senate actions were not seen as being influenced by his own reelection prospects.

The Political Landscape in North Carolina

With former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, potentially running for the Senate, Republicans are scrambling to find a strong candidate to challenge him. Names like Lara Trump, Michael Whatley, and Rep. Pat Harrigan have been floated as potential contenders. Political analysts now see these three as the top choices behind the scenes.

The history of healthcare policy in U.S. elections shows how impactful it can be. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, became a major issue for Democrats, leading to a significant loss of seats in the House. Republicans used it as a tool to criticize the policy and gain support among voters.

Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress, but the upcoming midterms pose a challenge. With the president's party typically facing difficulties in midterm elections, the Republicans must maintain their lead in both the House and Senate.

Holding Trump Advisers Accountable

Despite his generally close relationship with Trump, Tillis expressed concerns about the president's advisers. He mentioned that he had reached out to Trump before the vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, warning that his team wasn't providing the full picture of the bill's impact. Tillis criticized the Senate version of the legislation, claiming it was poorly thought out and could harm millions of Americans.

He also pointed to the White House staff, suggesting that they were responsible for the bill's shortcomings. Tillis believed the bill could have been fixed if the White House had been more flexible with its July 4 deadline. Instead, he felt that some staff members were overly focused on signing the bill on that date, regardless of its content.

Tillis vowed to hold Trump's advisers accountable, stating that he would make it clear to them that their actions were not acceptable. While he didn't name specific individuals, he emphasized that their advice was flawed and could damage the president's legacy.

Concerns About Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Tillis also shared his concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. During the confirmation process, he initially supported Hegseth's nomination but later became skeptical due to allegations of abuse against women. Although he ultimately voted to confirm Hegseth, Tillis reflected on his decision and expressed doubts about Hegseth's suitability for the role.

Recent accusations that Hegseth authorized a pause on weapons sent to Ukraine without the White House's knowledge further fueled Tillis' concerns. He called this action "amateurish" and suggested that the Senate Committee on Armed Services may have been too lenient in its evaluation of Hegseth.

Who Should Run for the Senate?

Tillis has his thoughts on who should run for the Senate in North Carolina. He acknowledged that Trump has been interviewing potential candidates to replace him. However, he expressed reservations about certain individuals, including former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, whose past online behavior came to light during his failed gubernatorial campaign.

Tillis warned that if Trump were to choose Robinson as the GOP candidate, it could be devastating for the party. He noted that Trump had already stopped allowing Robinson to appear at events with him, indicating that he had concerns about Robinson's suitability.

While Tillis wouldn't support the Democratic candidate, he indicated that he might sit out the race if the Republican nominee was not a strong contender. He emphasized the need for a solid, right-of-center conservative to face Cooper.

Supporting Trump and the Future of the Party

Despite his disagreements with some of Trump's policies and advisers, Tillis remains a strong supporter of the president. He highlighted that he won his Senate elections by narrow margins and that both campaigns were among the most expensive in U.S. history.

Tillis explained that he chose to step away from the Senate to focus on good policy and the future of the country. He believes that taking his reelection prospects off the table will allow him to govern more effectively and encourage other members of Congress to stand up for sound policies.

He reiterated his commitment to making sure that Trump is the most successful Republican president in history. Tillis emphasized that he has always been a Republican and will continue to support the party, even when he disagrees with certain decisions. He believes in telling the truth to power and standing up for what is right, even if it means going against his own interests.