Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed regret regarding his vote to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing issues with Hegseth's performance at the Pentagon. In an interview on the NOTUS podcast, Tillis described Hegseth's actions, including his interactions with the press and NATO meetings, as lacking experience. Hegseth was confirmed by a narrow 51-50 Senate vote in January 2025, following a contentious hearing that included allegations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement at veterans groups. Tillis mentioned that he should have considered these allegations more seriously before casting his vote. He stated, "If I had [corroborated testimony], I would never have supported him."
Tillis also expressed concerns about the 60-day negotiation timeline established by President Donald Trump regarding Iran, stating that it is insufficient for a lasting agreement. He emphasized the need for a long-term commitment rather than arbitrary deadlines. Additionally, Tillis supported the campaign against Iran but questioned the accuracy of information provided to the president regarding its military and nuclear capabilities.
Tillis criticized the SAVE America Act, a conservative voting bill, asserting that it does not have the necessary support to pass and called for a focus on successful legislative achievements instead. He also expressed disapproval of Senator Mike Lee's approach to party unity and legislative effectiveness. Lastly, Tillis reiterated his opposition to President Trump’s anti-weaponization fund, labeling it as poor policy.