President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office at the White House, May 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C., and Sen. Thom Tillis on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., April 21, 2026. AP/Reuters
On Friday, President Donald Trump went after departing Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, labeling him a "RINO" — short for "Republican In Name Only" — and a "deserter" while seeming to recognize the existing uprising among some members of his own political group.
"I referred to him as a 'Critic,' constantly opposing the Republican Party, and ME, primarily on issues that were not significant," Trump stated in a social media communication.
"Now he is free to enjoy himself for a few months, along with some of his RINO associates, damaging the Republican Party. Ultimately, it will only become bigger, better, and stronger than it ever was!!!" Trump declared.
Tillis is included among several Republican legislators who have voiced disapproval of aspects of Trump's platform, most recently the establishment of an almost $1.8 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to provide reimbursement to those who claim they were unfairly targeted under the Biden government. The fund was formed as a component of a resolution agreement in President Trump's $10 billion litigation against the Internal Revenue Service.
Tillis denounced the fund as the "payoff reserve for thugs." Detractors have stated that individuals who perpetrated violence against law enforcement, including the Jan. 6 rioters, could be considered for recompense in addition to Trump's political supporters.
"These individuals are not deserving of restitution; many of them warrant incarceration," Tillis commented on Thursday. "Some of them should receive a pardon because they were excessively prosecuted, but this is, I mean, this is just incredibly stupid."
President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, May 21, 2026, in Washington and Sen. Thom Tillis on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 21, 2026.AP/Reuters
Congressional Republicans on Thursday delayed strategies to move forward a $70 billion immigration measure as Senate Republicans were ready to attempt to control spending for the mentioned anti-weaponization fund, as well as Trump's East Wing growth and White House ballroom building undertaking.
Numerous Republicans who Trump has rejected have evolved into the fund's most outspoken critics, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy. Cassidy was defeated in his primary election the previous week after Trump gave his backing to his rival.
"Individuals are worried about paying their mortgage or rent, having enough money for groceries, and purchasing gas, not regarding assembling a $1.8 billion fund for the President and his associates to compensate whomever they want with no legal basis or liability," Cassidy conveyed on X.
Trump on Friday implied that Tillis' choice not to pursue reelection was partly due to Trump's choice to withhold an endorsement.
"When I informed him that I would not, under any circumstances, support him for another campaign, due to excessive work and drama (he could not have succeeded, in any case!), he immediately left the campaign and announced publicly that he was planning to 'retire.' I responded, 'Wow, wonderful news, that was simple!'" Trump penned in the message.
When Tillis conveyed the previous year that he would not be seeking reelection, he asserted in a declaration that it was "not a difficult decision" to dismiss the possibility of pursuing a third term as he was finished with "maneuvering the political stagecraft and partisan deadlock in Washington."
Reporters inquired of Tillis on Thursday what his opinion was of Trump targeting some Republican incumbents in primary races.
"Be mindful of what you desire," Tillis replied.
In justification of the fund, which has also encountered legal challenges, Trump on Friday claimed he "forfeited a considerable sum of money" by permitting it to proceed and that he could have amassed an "absolute fortune" if he hadn't reached the IRS agreement.
"Instead, I am assisting others, who were so badly victimized by an abhorrent, corrupt, and weaponized Biden Administration, to finally receive JUSTICE!," Trump wrote in a separate social media message.
ABC News contributors Isabella Murray and Allison Pecorin assisted in the creation of this piece.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com