Sen. Thom Tillis Flip Flops Hard on Pledge to Vote Against Trump’s National Emergency
“Republicans need to realize that this will lead inevitably to regret when a Democrat once again controls the White House, cites the precedent set by Trump, and declares his or her own national emergency to advance a policy that couldn’t gain congressional approval.”
Those were the words of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) in a Washington Post op-ed on Feb. 25 — as part of a piece in which he ceremoniously announced he would stand against President Donald Trump‘s national emergency declaration to secure funds for a southern border wall. But a lot, apparently, can change in 18 days.
In one of the more stark, sudden flip-flops in recent political memory, Tillis voted against the Senate resolution of disapproval of Trump’s emergency declaration. He was one of 41 Republicans to do so. But 12 of his colleagues broke ranks, and the measure passed 59-41. It is headed to the president’s desk, where he will issue the first veto of his presidency.
Observers on Twitter were quick to notice the about-face from Tillis. Here is a sampling of the reaction.
I wonder why Tillis changed his mind about the constitution … https://t.co/ucYjyQyhQg pic.twitter.com/K302tMjvx2
— Matt Lewis (@mattklewis) March 14, 2019
Unfortunately, Tillis was standing on something much smellier than principle https://t.co/SxyqL4DZQs
— Max Burns (@themaxburns) March 14, 2019
Tillis feb 25: “As a U.S. senator, I cannot justify providing the executive with more ways to bypass Congress.”
Tillis today: nevermind! https://t.co/stPUmpDLrU
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 14, 2019
Thom Tillis and Cory Gardner were very vulnerable in a general election before this vote; after this vote, they are now incredibly vulnerable. So much for being constitutional conservatives.
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) March 14, 2019
Tillis changed his vote after he wrote this op-ed!?https://t.co/zMWBJbKDS7
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) March 14, 2019
Senator Thom Tillis just Flaked and pulled a Dean Heller. https://t.co/ECgZwwIbLA
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 14, 2019
Tillis’ GOP opponents might primary him anyway, smelling blood. => https://t.co/vrlvsFqKOK
— David M. Drucker (@DavidMDrucker) March 14, 2019
Tillis’ resolve lasted 1/9th of a Scaramucci
— Max Burns (@themaxburns) March 14, 2019
Tillis vote doesn’t matter but what a useless POS
some votes matter, this is one of them— Greg Dworkin (@DemFromCT) March 14, 2019
literally THE profile in courage, Mister Thom Tillis! https://t.co/Yu36TQVO2b
— Alex Kotch ? (@alexkotch) March 14, 2019
I guess it became an emergency for Thom Tillis, at least https://t.co/Ndqd2rBS33
— Jason Linkins (@dceiver) March 14, 2019
Watch above, via CNN
[featured photo via Getty Images]
