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Former Senator Jeff Flake, one of the most vocal critics of President Donald Trump, reacted to Sen, during his first administration. Thom Tilis’ Retirement plan on Sunday.
Tilis, who was one of the weakest Republicans in the 2026 cycle, faced threats to challenge a challenge from Trump after the President voted against the President’s “Bade, Beautiful Bill” on Saturday night.
In an X post, Flake estimated that Tilis could win the election again, but only when he has taken some positions.
“He can win again, but he does not believe by taking only positions,” said Flake, who served as an US ambassador to Turkey during Biden administration.
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Former Senator Jeff Flake on Sunday responded to Tilis’ retirement announcement with sympathy. (Getty image)
“It is an honor to serve in the Senate – but not at any cost,” he said.
Tilis said on Sunday that he plans to retire at the end of his tenure in 2026. In a statement, the Northern Carolina Republican referred to “the biggest form of hypocrisy in American politics”.
“When people see independent thinking on the other side, they are happy,” said Tilis. “But when they see independent thinking on their behalf, they despise, destroyed, and even do sensors.”
“Over the years in Washington, it has become increasingly clear that the leaders who are ready to compromise, and are becoming an endangered species to display independent thinking,” he said.
Tilis said that the election in Washington, DC either broke with his family to spend time with his family or to spend time with “The Political Theater and Partison Gridlock”.
“This is not a difficult option, and I will not demand an election again,” he said.
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Sen Thom Tilis (R-NC) departs with a lunch with Senate Republicans at the US Capital Building at Washington, DC on 1 June 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Image)
Senator Berney Sanders, I-VT., Also reacted to Tilis’s announcement with Trump’s criticism.
“I don’t agree much with NC Senator Thom Tilis. But he is correct on it,” Sanders post began.
He said, “Trump’s Republican Party does not allow for independent consideration. The Republican Party is a creed today. Either you do the same as Trump wants, or you are out. Pity.”
On Saturday evening, Trump exploded Tilis as a “grandeur” and expressed interest in interviewing potential primary challenges.
Trump said on the truth social, “Many people want to run into primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tilis.”
President Donald Trump talks with reporters after announcing a business deal with the United Kingdom at the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Ivan Wuki)
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“I will meet them in the coming weeks, looking for someone who will represent the great people of North Carolina properly and, therefore, the important thing is that the United States. Thank you for paying attention to the matter!” He said.
Alex Miller of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
