When Thom Tillis Went Rogue

North Carolina’s senior senator tried to persuade President Trump and N.C. GOP leaders that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” would devastate health care in the state. Then all hell broke loose.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is seen in the U.S. Capitol.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP

This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS and The Assembly.

Before his fateful vote, Thom Tillis tried to persuade North Carolina’s top lawmakers that President Donald Trump’s signature bill would severely hurt their state and party.

His own analysis showed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” would cost the state billions of dollars while virtually gutting Medicaid benefits for more than 600,000 people and posing new risks for rural hospitals and health care.