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Trump Threatens Primary Challenge Against Senator Thom Tillis Over ‘Big, Beautiful Bill‘ Opposition
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Former President Donald Trump is publicly feuding with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis after Tillis announced he would not support Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Trump took to Truth Social this weekend to express his displeasure and hint at supporting a primary challenger against Tillis in the 2026 Senate race [[2]].
Trump’s Criticism and Tillis’s Response
Trump accused Tillis of seeking publicity and making a “BIG MISTAKE for America” by opposing the bill. This criticism followed a statement from Tillis explaining that he could not support the bill in its current form due to concerns about potential Medicaid cuts that would negatively impact North Carolina [[3]].
Tillis stated that the cuts would “result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities.” Despite Trump’s threat, Tillis appeared unfazed, having reportedly forewarned the former President of his opposition [[1]].
Did You know? The Senate passed a motion to advance the budget bill by a 51-49 vote. The bill now requires a formal Senate vote and House approval before the July 4th holiday.
The “Big, Beautiful Bill” and Republican Divisions
The “big, beautiful bill” encompasses several Republican priorities, including making tax breaks from Trump’s first presidency permanent, eliminating taxes on tips, and reducing funding for Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments. It also includes a commitment for an additional $350 billion in national security spending.
Tillis was one of two Republican senators, along with rand Paul of Kentucky, who voted against advancing the bill. trump has a history of backing primary challenges against Republicans who oppose him, such as endorsing Harriet Hageman against Liz Cheney in Wyoming [[SOURCE]].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on primary races where endorsements from influential figures like Trump can substantially impact the outcome.
Potential Primary Challengers and Trump’s Strategy
Trump stated that “numerous peopel have come forward wanting to run” against Tillis and that he will be meeting with potential candidates in the coming weeks. This move is consistent with Trump’s strategy of targeting Republicans who do not align with his agenda [[SOURCE]].
Trump’s team recently launched a group to unseat Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie, who opposed U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and formed an alliance with a Democratic congressman to introduce a war powers resolution. Chris LaCivita, a senior Trump political advisor, confirmed he and Tony Fabrizio would run an anti-Massie super PAC [[SOURCE]].
Senate Vote on Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”
The Senate voted 51-49 to advance the budget bill, a key step in its legislative journey. The bill now faces a formal Senate vote and must return to the House for approval, a process Trump aims to complete before the July 4th holiday [[SOURCE]].
The legislation includes a mix of Republican priorities, such as making tax cuts from Trump’s presidency permanent, eliminating taxes on tips, and reducing funding for Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy initiatives. It also proposes an additional $350 billion for national security spending [[SOURCE]].
Key Components of the “Big, Beautiful Bill”
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Cuts | Permanent extension of tax cuts from Trump’s first term. |
| Taxes on Tips | Elimination of taxes on tips. |
| Medicaid | Cutbacks to Medicaid funding. |
| Food Stamps | Reductions in food stamp programs. |
| Green Energy | Reduced investments in green energy. |
| National Security | Additional $350 billion in spending. |
What impact will Trump’s involvement have on the 2026 Senate race in North Carolina? How might Senator Tillis navigate this challenge to secure re-election?
Understanding Primary Challenges and Senate Races
primary challenges are a common feature of American politics, allowing voters within a party to choose thier nominee for an upcoming election. These challenges can be particularly significant when a sitting politician faces opposition from within their own party, as is the case with Senator Tillis. Senate races, which occur every six years, are high-stakes elections that determine the composition of the U.S. Senate, one of the two chambers of Congress. The outcome of these races can have a major impact on the legislative
