Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
Thom Tillis says backing Hegseth was his biggest career regret
Republican Sen.
Thom Tillis says he regrets backing Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.
Tillis discusses the decision in his new book, “How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents.”
He calls his vote to confirm Hegseth the biggest regret of his career.
Tillis says Hegseth showed signs of being out of his depth.
The remarks come as Tillis reflects on the challenges of serving in Congress during Donald Trump’s second term.
Hegseth is the defense secretary, and Tillis’s comments put his earlier support for the appointment under scrutiny.
The available information does not say what Tillis or Hegseth will do next.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis says voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense was the biggest regret of his career.
Tillis made the statement in his new book, How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents.
He said Hegseth has “all the hallmarks of somebody that's waded out of his depth.”
The remarks appeared in a CNN report published on October 23, 2026.
- Who
- Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican.
- What
- He said his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense was the biggest regret of his career.
- When
- In his new book; the CNN report was published October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Tillis said Hegseth appeared to be out of his depth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Senator
- Thom Tillis
- Confirmation vote
- Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense
- Book
- How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents
- CNN report date
- October 23, 2026
1 source
What people are saying
the biggest regret of my career
He has all the hallmarks of somebody that's waded out of his depth