Trump cheers Thom Tillis' exit but warns GOP not to go 'too crazy' as they still need to be reelected
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump welcomed the news that Senator Thom Tillis will not seek reelection but cautioned “cost-cutting” Republicans not to go “too crazy,” reminding them they still need to win elections.
In a pair of Truth Social posts on Sunday, June 29, the POTUS first cheered the news that Thom Tillis of North Carolina will not be seeking reelection. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions with some GOP members over the so-called "big, beautiful bill."
Donald Trump cheers Thom Tillis' exit and warns GOP members not to go 'too crazy'
Thom Tillis announced he would not seek reelection, just hours after Trump sharply criticized him in a Truth Social post
Earlier in the day, Trump wrote, “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America.”
Following Tillis’ announcement, Trump posted again, celebrating the news: “Great News! ‘Senator’ Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection.”
In his earlier post, Trump also aimed at Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who has opposed the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, Trump’s latest legislative push. He argued that it doesn't go far enough in cutting spending and could worsen the deficit, Mediaite reported.
Addressing fiscal conservatives in the GOP, Trump added: “For all cost-cutting Republicans, of which I am one, remember, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with growth, more than ever before.”
In his statement on June 29, Tillis reflected on his time in office, expressing pride in what he called a career marked by "bipartisan victories," as per BBC.
“Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me in trouble with my own party, but I wouldn’t have changed a single one,” he wrote.
He added, “Too many elected officials are motivated by pure, raw politics who really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail.”
Republicans scramble to finalize Donald Trump-backed bill before key deadline
The Senate debated President Trump’s "big, beautiful bill" into the early hours of Monday, June 30, according to CBS News.
The House narrowly passed the bill in May 2025, and Senate Republicans have since been working to shape the legislation. careful not to disrupt the fragile coalition that allowed it to pass the lower chamber, the outlet reported.
Before the bill can reach Trump’s desk for his signature, the House will need to approve any changes made by the Senate.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are racing against a self-imposed July 4 deadline to get the measure signed into law.
According to CBS News, the Senate worked through the weekend as Republicans entered the final stretch to push the legislation forward before the holiday deadline.
The bill includes increased funding for border security, defense, and energy production, offset in part by cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs.
