Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) isn't holding back anymore.
After announcing his retirement last month, Tillis plans to use his position on three pivotal congressional committees to be a thorn in the president's side, according to a new report. That could make for an interesting next 18 months as the GOP attempts to pass more of President Donald Trump's legislative priorities and confirm some of his nominees.
That newfound freedom has taken Tillis back to his roots.
“You can just ask the poor guy in the Washington National Airport about seven weeks ago what happens when you get up in this former trailer park resident’s face," Tillis told Semafor on Tuesday about being confronted by a Trump supporter over his support for U.S. Attorney nominee Ed Martin.
"There’s no human being on the face of the planet whose behavior I wouldn’t mirror if it’s disrespectful," Tillis continued.
Tillis has emerged as a rare voice of dissent within the GOP base since he announced his retirement. Not only has he spoken out about the "disrespect" he has received from Trump, but Tillis has also expressed concern about the GOP's ability to retain his seat after he leaves the Senate.
The Senator from North Carolina has also spoken out about the "amateurs" throughout the Trump administration.
“He’s got people working for him that may have convinced him that they live and breathe him, but they’re just surfing a wave for the next hill. I’m not,” Tillis told the outlet.
“He has nothing that I want. I’m here purely for the purpose of producing good policy and getting more Republicans elected," he continued.