Staff Reports
Senator Thom Tillis (R‑NC) took a big‑stage swing on CNN’s The Arena this week and told viewers what a lot of Republicans are whispering in hallways: the GOP should ditch the Trump‑style populism and “go back” to traditional conservative principles. He made the remarks while promoting his new memoir, How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents, and he didn’t bother to dress the criticism up in polite euphemisms.
Tillis’ TV wake‑up call
On national television, Tillis said the party has “drifted” during a populist phase and needs to return to conservatism. He pointedly warned against cheering for state intervention in markets — tariffs, equity stakes in corporations, and odd praise for foreign strongmen — and said those are not conservative positions. He even told the host that he spells out these arguments in his book, which is why he’s been on the media circuit sharpening the point.
What Tillis actually said
Tillis used blunt language: he argued Republicans have been pulled away from the core ideas that built the party and suggested an election loss would push people back toward principle. He said some of the moves tied to populism aren’t conservative and that the party should “get back” to limited government, free markets, and clear national security stances. That kind of candor is no accident: Tillis is using his memoir to make the case publicly and loudly.
Why the timing matters
There’s strategy behind the sermon. Tillis is not running again, which frees him to call out trends without worrying about a primary opponent. That makes this less about personal attacks and more about a debate over the GOP’s future message. If a sitting senator says the party is off course, it’s a signal to strategists, donors, and candidates: voters notice mixed messages. The party can’t win by being everything to everyone and pretending it’s conservative at the same time.
Now is the moment for clear choice
Republicans who care about winning should take Tillis’ point seriously. Voters want dependable principles, not a grab bag of contradictory instincts. If the GOP wants to be a governing party, it has to pick a direction and stick to it — limited government, strong defense, and economic freedom. Tillis’ interview and his new book are a useful prod. Party leaders can laugh it off, or they can read the room and the pages. Either way, the debate he started will stick around — and that’s exactly the point.
