Sen. Tillis Unfiltered: Trump, Iran & What’s Next For the GOP

March 30, 2026·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Senator Tillis warns that without clear objectives in Iran, he may vote against continued military action after 60 days.

This episode features Kara Swisher interviewing North Carolina Republican Senator Tom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection. Tillis has gained attention for criticizing certain Trump administration actions while remaining supportive of the president himself. He expresses deep concern over the lack of clear strategic objectives in the ongoing military engagement in Iran, referencing the War Powers Act and its 60-day clock. Tillis states that without an Authorization for Use of Military Force after 60 days, he would find it difficult to support continued action. He criticizes conflicting messages from the administration about "obliterating" Iranian capabilities and warns that striking civilian power plants could constitute a war crime and alienate the Iranian people. On domestic policy, Tillis opposes the "SAVE Act" voter ID bill, noting it lacks the votes to pass and would harm absentee voting in many red states. He firmly rejects any move to eliminate the Senate filibuster, arguing it would destabilize the rule of law and business certainty. A memorable moment was his viral Senate hearing takedown of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, where he questioned her leadership during a crisis. Tillis argues that advisor Stephen Miller has excessive influence, "surfs" from issue to issue, and overstepped by publicly claiming Greenland would become U.S. territory. He is withholding his vote on Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh until the Justice Department drops its investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell, to protect Fed independence. Tillis dismisses critics who call him "Too Late Tom," asserting his policy positions have been consistent, but his language is now freer without electoral pressure. The tone is a direct, probing interview between a seasoned journalist and a politician speaking candidly. The style is conversational and analytical, focusing on policy details and political dynamics. Listeners interested in Republican internal critiques and detailed U.S. foreign and domestic policy discussions will appreciate this episode. Those seeking sweeping condemnations of Donald Trump or purely partisan rhetoric might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A clipped Washington interview that keeps pressing Tillis on where he will break with Trump.

Kara Swisher sits down with North Carolina Republican Senator Tom Tillis and keeps the attention on the small set of places where he is willing to break with Trump.

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Why you'd press play

A Republican senator explains where he stops short of Trump.

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