Thom Tillis Must Display Bravery, Reject Certain Trump Nominees
TL/DR –
Sen. Thom Tillis has endorsed President-Elect Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, despite Patel being a promoter of conspiracy theories. The author, an army veteran, argues that this endorsement reflects Tillis’ tendency to prioritize power over principles and calls on him to reject Patel and other controversial Trump cabinet picks. The author also encourages North Carolinians to demand that Tillis stand up for democracy and the rule of law, and argues that caving to extremist elements for short-term political gain is cowardice and weakens the nation.
Sen. Thom Tillis supports Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI Director pick, despite Patel’s promotion of conspiracy theories, including those tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection, says former Army veteran.
During the congressional debate in February 2024 over additional Ukraine aid, North Carolina’s senior Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, expressed fervent support for U.S. actions to defend European democracy against Russia’s invasion.
“We will regret the day if we let this coalition fall apart and allow Vladimir Putin to occupy Europe’s breadbasket,” said Tillis.
While these seem like courageous words, they do not align with Tillis’ history of surrendering to extreme elements of his party, prioritizing power over principles.
Tillis has pledged to confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director, as proposed by President-Elect Trump. Few question the absurdity of Trump’s plan to dismiss current FBI Director Christopher Wray—a Trump appointee—only for refusing to support his coup attempts and false claims about the 2020 election.
Wray has decided to resign at the end of the Biden administration, signaling surrender to Trump, a trend among today’s “leaders.”
The FBI, despite its flaws, does important work for North Carolinians, from identifying flood victims to tracking down criminals. It is a force for good.
Patel’s nomination is indicative of far-right extremism. He actively promotes conspiracy theories and even produced a song sung by those jailed for the Capitol attack.
Russian state media celebrates Patel’s nomination, a disturbing shift from the Republican belief that Russian praise is a red flag. Patel’s nomination also contradicts Tillis’ previous condemnation of Tucker Carlson’s lies about the Capitol riot.
Despite this, Tillis appears ready to support Patel, prioritizing his career over principles. He seems unwilling to emulate former GOP members like Liz Cheney, who bravely opposed Trump despite political consequences.
Trump’s entire cabinet lineup, including Patel, has been praised by Russian propagandists, who claim they will dismantle America. This is no coincidence; Trump’s picks aim to weaken national institutions and solidify his power.
Tillis can still revise his stance. As an ex-Army veteran advocating for responsible leadership, I believe political integrity is paramount. Surrendering to extremism for short-term political advantage is cowardice, jeopardizing our nation.
Tillis’s words during the Ukraine debate provide guidance: “You can’t be a coward. It would be irresponsible to act any other way when faced with a threat to the democratic world order.”
Tillis must reject Patel and other dangerous nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard for national intelligence director, Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of health and human services. We need leaders with integrity, character, and morality.
North Carolinians, make your voices heard. Contact Senator Tillis’s office today and demand he uphold democracy and the rule of law.
While Trump’s reelection was a setback to the pro-democracy movement, he won the popular vote by only 1.5%, hardly a sweeping mandate. Oppose MAGA, maintain faith in free and fair elections, and concentrate on protecting our democracy.
When I despair about our country, I recall Frederick Douglass’s final speech, “Lessons of the Hour” (1895): “Recognize the fact that the rights of the humblest citizen are as worthy of protection as those of the highest, and your problem will be solved…based upon the eternal principles of truth, justice, and humanity, your Republic will stand and flourish forever.”
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