Sen. Tillis Calls Vote for Hegseth 'Biggest Regret' in New Book

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has declared his deciding vote to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in January 2025 as the "biggest regret of my career" in his forthcoming book, "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents." The North Carolina senator also stated that he "should’ve stopped" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming Health and Human Services secretary during the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term.

In the book, scheduled for publication on Tuesday, Tillis defends his past decision to avoid being "the lone voice in the wilderness" that might have blocked Trump's nominees. However, he admits to harboring skepticism regarding allegations about Hegseth's management style, his alleged treatment of women, and accusations of excessive drinking, all of which Hegseth has denied. Tillis writes that numerous other Republicans privately expressed reservations about many of Trump's actions but remained silent publicly.

Tillis, who announced last year that he would not seek reelection, is releasing the book in his final months in office. He joins a growing number of Republicans who have increased their public criticism of Trump after their political leverage diminished. Despite his criticisms, Tillis largely deflects blame from Trump himself, stating, "my beef is not with him, but the idiots he’s got working for him." He refers to the president as "an amazing political talent."

The senator warns of a potential slide toward authoritarianism and urges his colleagues to "wake up" and challenge Trump more frequently, asserting that executive overreach eventually backfires on the majority party. Tillis also predicts a significant defeat for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.

The book details Tillis's criticisms of Trump's tariffs, aggressive immigration raids that he contends were designed to "intentionally sow disorder," and the Iran war, which he initially supported. He suggests the conflict can only be resolved by a coalition of nations and if Trump removes Hegseth from the situation.

Tillis recounts how he delayed Hegseth's confirmation vote late into the evening of Jan. 24, 2025, consulting with the White House, individuals who had worked with Hegseth, and Hegseth himself. Ultimately, unable to corroborate the most severe allegations, he supported Hegseth's confirmation, resulting in a 50-50 tie that Vice President JD Vance broke.

Regarding his vote for Kennedy, Tillis writes, "I guess it’s easy to say now, but I’m the one who has to live with that vote and all the havoc Kennedy’s tenure has caused the country as a result." He expresses a desire not to be the deciding vote on such matters.

Tillis criticizes the notion of outsourcing courage to him by colleagues who might publicly agree with questionable nominations. He argues that opposing Trump on every issue leads to a loss of influence.

The senator also strongly criticizes other early Trump administration appointees, including former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Tillis's decision to not run for reelection in June 2025 followed an escalation of his criticism against Trump and his tax and spending cuts package. Trump had previously attacked Tillis on social media after the senator indicated he could not support proposed cuts to Medicaid. Tillis describes this as his "breaking point."

After Tillis texted Trump to inform him of his decision, Trump responded, "I am! DJT." In May 2026, Trump again attacked Tillis on social media, labeling him a "QUITTER!" among other insults. Tillis concluded the book with a profanity-laced text message to Trump, stating, "I care if you fail and right now we are failing."