Trump calls GOP Senator Thom Tillis 'a loser' and 'angry man' over Blanche confirmation opposition

During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, President Trump attacked Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina after Tillis stated he would oppose acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination unless Blanche condemned the January 6 Capitol rioters who attacked police. Trump called Tillis 'a loser' and 'stone cold loser,' claiming Tillis didn't seek reelection 'because I wouldn't support him' and was 'just an angry man because he's not gonna be a senator any longer.' Trump also claimed Tillis 'wasn't respected in the Senate' and 'fought Pete Hegseth.' The attack represents Trump's pattern of bullying Republican senators who challenge his nominees or demand accountability for January 6.

"Senator Tillis is a loser. That's why he didn't run. He didn't run because I wouldn't support him. And he's just an angry man because he's not gonna be a senator any longer. He wasn't respected in the Senate."