Republican Sen. Thom Tillis disclosed in his newly released memoir that his decisive vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in January 2025 remains “the biggest regret of my career.” Tillis, a North Carolina senator, wrote that the confirmation, which he cast as the pivotal swing vote, later proved politically costly.
In the same book, Tillis reflected on another controversial appointment, stating he “should’ve stopped” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming the secretary of Health and Human Services during the early months of President Donald Trump’s second term. Tillis suggested that the appointment, which never materialized, would have been a misstep for the administration.
The former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Tillis said his regret stems from the long‑term implications of Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon, though he did not detail specific policy outcomes. He also expressed concern that Kennedy’s potential leadership of the Health and Human Services department would have conflicted with the administration’s health agenda.
Tillis’s memoir, which offers a candid look at his time in Washington, includes other reflections on key votes and appointments, but the two episodes highlighted above have drawn particular media attention. The book’s release comes as Tillis prepares for his upcoming reelection campaign.
Political analysts note that Tillis’s admissions may influence perceptions of his legislative record, especially among constituents who scrutinize defense and health policy decisions made during the Trump administration.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
