President Donald Trump is shaking up North Carolina’s GOP with a bold move against Sen. Thom Tillis. On Saturday, Trump announced he’s hunting for a primary challenger to unseat Tillis in 2026, citing the senator’s refusal to back a controversial spending bill. This clash exposes the fault lines within the Republican Party as Trump doubles down on loyalty to his agenda.
Fox News reported that Trump’s ire stems from Tillis’s opposition to a spending bill that sparked heated debate in the Senate. The bill, which squeaked through a 51-49 procedural vote, faced resistance from Tillis and Sen. Rand Paul over its steep Medicaid cuts.
This public break from Trump’s priorities has put Tillis in the crosshairs of the MAGA machine. Tillis, up for re-election in 2026, stood firm against the bill’s procedural hurdle, warning of dire consequences for North Carolina.
During a closed-door Senate GOP lunch, he flagged potential losses of up to $40 billion in Medicaid funding for his state. His defiance, while principled, has painted a target on his back.
Trump’s Primary Power Play
Trump took to Truth Social, proclaiming that “numerous people” are eager to challenge Tillis in the primary.
He plans to meet with these would-be candidates soon, aiming to find someone who will “properly represent” North Carolina and the nation. This move signals Trump’s intent to tighten his grip on the GOP, sidelining dissenters like Tillis.
“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis,” Trump declared. But this isn’t just about one senator—it’s a warning shot to any Republican daring to stray from the Trump playbook. Tillis, for his part, seems unfazed, framing the spat as a mere policy disagreement.
“We just disagree,” Tillis said, emphasizing his respect for colleagues who support the bill. He’s done his homework, warning that the bill’s Medicaid cuts would hit North Carolina harder than other states. Yet, his calm rationale might not be enough to weather Trump’s political storm.
The Senate’s 51-49 vote to advance the bill highlighted the GOP’s razor-thin majority. With Republicans holding a 53-47 edge, they can only afford three defections before the bill stalls. Tillis and Paul’s “no” votes, coupled with Sen. Susan Collins’ hesitation, show the party’s unity is fraying.
Sen. Susan Collins backed the procedural vote but voiced concerns about the bill’s final passage without changes.
Meanwhile, Sens. Josh Hawley and Ron Johnson supported advancing the bill, aligning closer to Trump’s vision. The bill’s tweaks, like delaying a provider rate crackdown and adding $25 billion for rural hospitals, weren’t enough to sway Tillis.
Tillis doubled down, vowing to release further analysis on the Medicaid cuts’ impact. His data-driven approach contrasts with Trump’s brash ultimatums, highlighting a deeper rift between policy wonks and populist firebrands. North Carolina voters may soon decide which side they’re on.
Tillis’ Stand and Trump’s Retort
“The president and I have talked, and I just told him that, ‘Look, if this works for the country, that’s great,’” Tillis said. His diplomatic tone masks the stakes: a direct challenge to Trump’s authority. By prioritizing his state’s needs, Tillis risks alienating the MAGA base that still reveres Trump.
Trump didn’t hold back, slamming Sen. Rand Paul on Truth Social: “Did Rand Paul Vote ‘NO’ again tonight? What’s wrong with this guy???” This outburst shows Trump’s frustration with any GOP resistance, lumping Paul and Tillis into the same disloyal camp. It’s classic Trump: loyalty above all, or face the consequences.
Tillis, however, isn’t backing down. “It’s not a good impact in my state, so I’m not going to vote on the motion to proceed,” he said. His focus on North Carolina’s bottom line over party dogma might resonate with voters tired of D.C.’s one-size-fits-all mandates.
Trump’s search for a Tillis challenger is more than a personal vendetta—it’s a test of MAGA’s staying power. By 2026, will North Carolina Republicans rally behind Trump’s pick or stick with Tillis’ pragmatic conservatism? The primary could become a referendum on Trump’s influence.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump posted, signaling this fight is far from over. His knack for turning policy disputes into political spectacles keeps the GOP on edge. Tillis, meanwhile, must navigate a base that still cheers Trump’s every move.
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Author: Benjamin Clark
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