Lame Duck Senator Thom Tillis Targets Trump Administration Amid Political Decline

By Marc Rotterman
Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A recent review of media coverage revealed extensive interviews with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), the senior senator from North Carolina.

In recent weeks, Tillis has been vocal in his criticism of President Donald Trump and key members of his administration, including Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security and White House Deputy Chief Stephen Miller. According to reports, Tillis recently called for Noem’s immediate resignation following a fatal incident in Minneapolis, labeling her “incompetent and an amateur.” He also asserted that her leadership has “destroyed Republican credibility on border security.”

In 2023, the North Carolina GOP censured Tillis for challenging Trump’s immigration policies, including initial opposition to the construction of the border wall. Additionally, Tillis has reportedly vowed to block President Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve Chairman, Kevin Warsh. The senator has also accused Miller of “incompetence,” stating that if he were president, neither Miller nor Noem would be in Washington.

With his electoral prospects in North Carolina increasingly uncertain and his congressional career drawing to a close, Tillis has turned to media commentary as part of his political transition.