Trump Threatens Tillis Over Senate Budget Bill

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina for voting against the Senate's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' threatening to support a primary challenger against him in the 2026 GOP primaries. Tillis opposed the bill due to its deep Medicaid cuts, which he argued would strip tens of billions in funding from North Carolina, impacting hospitals, rural communities, and Medicaid recipients. While he backed the bill's tax cuts, child tax credit, border security funding, and spending reductions, he insisted these should not come at the cost of essential healthcare. Trump accused Tillis of grandstanding and claimed his opposition amounted to supporting a major tax increase, without addressing the Medicaid cuts. The Senate vote is currently stalled, with the GOP holding a slim majority, making Tillis's defection especially significant. The House and Senate remain divided on Medicaid reforms, with Tillis supporting the House's work requirements over the Senate's funding cuts.