Wisevoter
U.S.

Senator Thom Tillis Revealed Texts in New Memoir

The retiring North Carolina senator disclosed private messages sent to President Trump in his upcoming book.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Military

Empty marble hallway in the U.S. Capitol building with long sunlight shadows cast across the floor.
Senator Thom Tillis disclosed details of his political friction with President Trump in a newly published memoir documenting his Senate career. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should political leaders prioritize bipartisanship over strict party loyalty?

Senator Thom Tillis has unveiled private text messages sent to President Trump in his forthcoming memoir, "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents." The 66-year-old senator, who announced his retirement in June 2025, documented these exchanges amid ongoing political tensions.

Why it matters

The disclosures shed light on Tillis's friction with President Trump, including his opposition to the nomination of Todd Blanche and his critique of the anti-weaponization fund. These revelations underscore deep divisions regarding legislative priorities and the direction of the Republican party.

Senator Thom Tillis, 66, confirmed his retirement from the U.S. Senate effective January. This decision followed his public refusal to back the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General.

The players

Thom Tillis

He is the senior United States Senator representing North Carolina who has announced his upcoming retirement.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States who engaged in public and private disputes with members of his own party.

John Cornyn

He is a United States Senator who, alongside Tillis, withheld support for the nomination of Todd Blanche.

Todd Blanche

He was a nominee for Attorney General whose confirmation faced opposition from key Republican senators.

The details

Tillis's memoir details his clashes with the White House, specifically his push for Todd Blanche to engage with victims of Jeffrey Epstein. The senator also documented his opposition to an anti-weaponization fund that was ultimately rescinded by official order on August 2.

Timeline

  1. Late May: Tillis sent a text message to President Trump.

  2. June 6: Tillis sent a text message to President Trump.

  3. June 2025: Tillis announced he would not seek re-election.

  4. August 1: Trump posted on Truth Social regarding Tillis and Cornyn.

  5. August 2: An official order rescinded the anti-weaponization fund.

Political Context

The conflict surrounding the anti-weaponization fund reflects a broader trend of legislative pushback against executive branch initiatives. Opposing senators like Tillis and Cornyn have frequently challenged administrative priorities, mirroring historical instances of party discord over policy implementation.

The retirement of a long-standing senator and the resulting political friction can influence the speed and passage of pending federal legislation. Citizens should monitor how these shifts in Senate leadership affect the progression of departmental nominations and policy funding in Washington.

The takeaway

Tillis's move to publish these texts highlights the increasing use of memoirs as a primary vehicle for political transparency. Readers should view these revelations as a signal of the ongoing internal debate within the Republican party regarding executive authority.

Further reading

Find more analysis on legislative affairs in our Military section.

Live Poll

Should political leaders prioritize bipartisanship over strict party loyalty?