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Former Senator Jeff Flake, one of Donald Trump’s most vocal critics during his first administration, responded to the senator. Tom Tillis Retirement plans are on Sunday.
Tillis, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the 2026 cycle, faces Trump threats after he voted against the president’s “Big and Beautiful Bill” Saturday night.
In X’s post, Flake speculates that Tillis can win reelection, but only if he holds certain positions.
“He can win again, but only hold positions he doesn’t believe in,” Flake US Ambassador to Türkiye said during the Biden administration.
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Former Senator Jeff Flake responded to Tillis’ retirement announcement on Sunday. (Getty Image)
He added: “It is an honor to serve in the Senate, but at all costs.”
Tillis said on Sunday that he plans to retire at the end of his 2026 term. In a statement, North Carolina Republicans mentioned “the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics.”
“When people see the independent thinking of each other, they cheer for them,” Tillis said. “But when the same people see the independent thinking coming from their side, they despise, reject and even condemn them.”
“In the past few years, it has become increasingly obvious in Washington that leaders willing to accept a two-party system, compromise and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” he added.
Tillis added that choosing to either spend time with his family or browse “political theater and partisan deadlock” in Washington, D.C.
“It’s not a difficult choice, and I’m not going to seek re-election,” he said.
Senate Republican Ram Trump’s “Big and Beautiful Act” passes key test vote
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) held a lunch at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on June 1, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.
“I don’t agree with NC Senator Thom Tillis. But he’s right about that,” Sanders’ Post began.
He added: “Trump’s Republican Party does not allow independent thinking. Today the Republican Party is a cult. Either you do what Trump wants or you are outside. Sad.”
On Saturday night, Trump blew up Tillis as a “Park Pier” and expressed interest in interviewing potential major challengers.
“Many people stood up and wanted to fight against Senator Tom Tillis in the primary election,” Trump said in The Society of Truth.
President Donald Trump spoke with reporters on Thursday, May 8, 2025 after announcing a trade agreement with the UK. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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“I will meet them in the next few weeks to find someone who will properly represent the great people of North Carolina, so it is important that the United States of America. Thank you for your attention on this matter!” he added.
Alex Miller of Fox News Digital contributed to the report.
