Republican Sen. Tillis calls his vote for Hegseth the 'biggest regret of my career' in a new book

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says in a forthcoming book that confirming Pete Hegseth as defense secretary was the biggest regret of his career, and that he also should have blocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from leading the Department of Health and Human Services. Tillis is leaving office soon, and his account adds to a pattern of Republicans sharpening their criticism of President Donald Trump once their political exposure shrinks, according to ABC News.

Tillis explains that on Jan. 24, 2025, he spoke with the White House, Hegseth and people who had worked with him, then concluded he could not verify the most serious allegations, which Hegseth denied. His support left the chamber tied at 50-50, and Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding ballot. Tillis says he refused to let colleagues shift their courage onto him.

He claims at least 30 GOP senators privately voice doubts about Trump's actions while praising him publicly, and he forecasts a "bloodbath" for Republicans in the midterms. He faults Trump's tariffs, immigration raids and the Iran war, yet blames Trump's staff more than the president, whom he calls an amazing political talent. Trump called him a "QUITTER!" in May 2026.

Summarized by PolitiKool from ABC News’s reporting. Read the full story at ABC News →