President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) Friday morning, after the retiring lawmaker publicly condemned the Department of Justice's newly established $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund.' In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Tillis a 'nitpicker' who consistently opposes the Republican Party and the president himself on trivial matters.
'I called him a ‘Nitpicker,’ always fighting against the Republican Party, and ME, mostly on things that didn’t matter,' Trump wrote, referencing Tillis's decision to retire following repeated clashes with the White House. The president further mocked Tillis, saying the media portrayed him as brave for standing up to Trump, but instead called him 'a quitter.'
Trump’s ire was sparked by Tillis’s comments Thursday, when he urged fellow Republicans to oppose the fund, which he described as 'beyond the pale.' Tillis argued the initiative is bad policy and bad politics, warning it could be used to compensate individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, who received presidential pardons. 'These people don’t deserve restitution. Many of them deserve to be in prison,' Tillis told reporters.
The fund, announced Monday as part of a settlement with the IRS that dropped a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax documents, is intended to provide redress for victims of lawfare and weaponization, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Critics, including several GOP senators, have raised concerns about potential payouts to Trump allies like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, former campaign official Michael Caputo, ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, and even former FBI Director James Comey.
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump defended the fund, claiming he sacrificed a substantial financial settlement to help others abused by the Biden administration. 'I could have settled my case... for an absolute fortune. Instead, I am helping others... receive, at long last, JUSTICE!' he wrote. Blanche also defended the fund, arguing that individuals who harm police often receive compensation.
The rift highlights deepening divisions within the GOP over Trump’s second-term agenda, as lawmakers like Tillis push back on what they see as politically damaging moves. For more on the broader GOP revolt, see our coverage of GOP senators revolting over the fund amid reconciliation delays. Meanwhile, Trump continues to consolidate power, as detailed in how his second term has turned the White House into an unprecedented money machine. Tillis’s outspoken criticism, detailed in his blast against the fund, underscores the internal party struggle as midterms approach.
