Outgoing North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis is once again finding himself squarely at odds with the Republican base — and this time, conservatives are accusing the retiring senator of trying to sabotage one of the GOP’s most popular election-integrity measures on his way out the door.
Tillis, who has long faced criticism from grassroots conservatives for what many see as an establishment-first approach to politics, is reportedly waging a behind-the-scenes campaign against the SAVE America Act — legislation championed by MAGA Republicans that would tighten election safeguards and strengthen voter verification requirements.
For many on the right, the backlash has been swift and fierce.
According to reports, Tillis circulated a lengthy internal message to fellow Senate Republicans criticizing GOP lawmakers for continuing to push votes on the SAVE America Act, arguing that the legislation could politically hurt vulnerable Republican senators heading into the midterms.
The senator also reportedly blasted support for President Donald Trump’s anti-federal weaponization fund, a restitution effort aimed at helping Americans who faced politically motivated targeting from federal agencies because of their support for Trump or involvement in the America First movement.
Rather than rallying behind two priorities popular with the Republican base, Tillis appeared frustrated that Senate Republicans were spending valuable political capital on issues he believes could become liabilities.
In the reported memo, Tillis allegedly argued that repeated votes on the SAVE America Act had “no place” during Senate negotiations and accused fellow Republicans of fueling unnecessary political infighting.
He also criticized what he described as a political “albatross” surrounding the anti-weaponization fund, arguing the issue could weigh down GOP candidates in competitive races.
But for conservatives, Tillis’ criticism landed with a thud.
After all, election integrity remains one of the defining issues for Republican voters — and voter ID laws continue to enjoy broad public support across party lines. Polling has consistently shown strong majorities of Americans back measures requiring proof of citizenship and stronger safeguards at the ballot box.
To many conservatives, opposing the SAVE America Act is political malpractice.
Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty didn’t mince words, blasting Tillis on social media after reports of the memo surfaced.
“This guy is a total traitor,” Daugherty wrote, accusing the senator of undermining efforts to secure elections while obstructing fellow Republicans trying to move the legislation forward.
Others began openly speculating whether Tillis had privately pressured senators to stop advocating for the bill altogether.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), one of the legislation’s strongest supporters, also publicly called out Tillis and several other Republicans for opposing the effort.
“It is beyond embarrassing that ‘Republicans’ continue to block the SAVE America Act,” Tuberville wrote, arguing that voters deserve representatives who prioritize election security over political calculations.
Grassroots conservatives were equally unforgiving.
Across social media, frustrated Republican voters vented anger at Tillis, with many saying his latest move simply confirms why he chose not to seek reelection.
Others questioned how requiring stronger voter verification — an idea supported by a large majority of Americans — could somehow be politically damaging to Republicans.
For many in the America First movement, the Tillis controversy highlights a deeper divide still simmering within the GOP: a battle between establishment Republicans focused on political caution and populist conservatives demanding bold action.
With Tillis already headed for retirement, many Republican voters appear ready to turn the page — and are making it crystal clear they want senators willing to fight for election integrity, not retreat from it.
