North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis launched new criticism against Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethby ensuring that the decisions made under his leadership have weakened the military and diplomatic position of the United States against its allies and adversaries.
During an interview on CNN’s “Inform of the Union,” Tillis questioned President Donald Trump’s administration’s strategy toward Iran. and pointed directly at Hegseth for backing a possible deal that would allow Tehran to keep nuclear power within its territory.
The Republican legislator stated that it is contradictory that just a few weeks ago the Pentagon maintained that Iranian defensive capabilities had been practically destroyed and is now considering accepting less strict conditions.
“What’s the point of that?” Tillis said, referring to the possibility of allowing Iran to keep nuclear weapons, after US officials said the regime had been weakened by recent military operations.
The statements represent one of the strongest criticisms coming from a member of the Republican Party towards Hegsethwho has faced questions since his arrival at the Department of Defense.
Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth “makes Kristi Noem gape handle a 5 star recruit”
– Senator Tom Tillis (R-NC) on US Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth. @atrupar (2026) pic.twitter.com/vpBOyCv6KE
— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) Also can just 24, 2026
In one of the toughest moments of the interview, Tillis unfavorably compared Hegseth to Kristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security dismissed months ago by Trump.
“With all of these mistakes in total, Kristi Noem is starting to look like a five-star player,” the senator declared.
The comparison drew attention because Tillis had also previously criticized Noem over the federal response to natural disasters in North Carolina. and for the handling of an immigration operation in Minneapolis where two American citizens died.
Tillis, who announced his retirement at the end of the current Congress, also reproached Hegseth for the changes promoted within the Pentagon, including the departure of senior military commanders and the review of the US military presence in Europe.
Through a message published in X, the senator maintained that the reduction of troops in allied countries and the replacement of experienced generals reflect “amateurism” and could become dangerous decisions for national security.
“The reckless decision to reduce our military presence in Europe, along with the moves by Pete Hegseth and his political henchmen to oust some of our best generals, is at best amateurism and at worst, a deadly action,” he wrote.
The careless determination to lower our power posture in Europe, alongside moves by Pete Hegseth and his political henchmen to power out some of our finest overall officers is newbie hour at finest and deadly at worst.
Hegseth continues to surprise and disrespect our finest…
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) Also can just 16, 2026
Questions over Ukraine and NATO
The Republican also criticized the cancellation, and subsequent rectification, of the deployment of thousands of American soldiers to Poland.as well as the reduction of military support for Ukraine in the midst of the war with Russia.
As a senior member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Observer Group in the Senate since 2018, Tillis has maintained a strong stance in favor of strengthening Western military alliances.
According to the senator, Hegseth has shown little respect toward career military officers and historic partners of the United States.
“Hegseth continues to surprise and disrespect our greatest allies and some of our best military professionals with impulsive decisions that are not based on reality or good judgment,” he stressed.
The Secretary of Defense was confirmed last year only thanks to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President JD Vance, after the Senate was divided 50-50. During that process he faced accusations related to inappropriate sexual conduct, excessive alcohol consumption and financial mismanagement, allegations that he publicly denied.
As Washington’s negotiations with Iran continue and debate persists over the future of US military policy, Tillis’ criticism reflects growing divisions within the Republican Party itself about the direction of the Pentagon under Hegseth’s leadership.
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