Tillis calls Hegseth confirmation vote his biggest career regret

Sen. Thom Tillis says in a forthcoming book that his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary in January 2025 was the “biggest regret” of his career. He also writes that he should have opposed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as health secretary.

Tillis says he supported the nominees because he did not want to be the deciding vote against President Donald Trump’s picks. He now urges fellow Republicans to push back against Trump more often, warning of executive overreach and predicting heavy Republican losses in November’s midterm elections.

The North Carolina Republican, who is not seeking reelection, criticizes Trump’s tariffs, immigration raids and handling of the Iran war in the book, which is set for publication Tuesday. Hegseth denied allegations about his management style, treatment of women and drinking that Tillis says made him skeptical before the confirmation vote.

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