Tillis' retirement announcement draws reactions from Trump critic Jeff Flake, Bernie Sanders: 'A cult'

Tillis, who was one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the 2026 cycle, had faced threats from Trump to endorse a challenger after Tillis voted against the president's "big, beautiful bill," on Saturday night.

In an X post, Flake speculated that Tillis could have won re-election, but only if he took certain positions.

"It's an honor to serve in the Senate - but not at any cost," he added.

Tillis said on Sunday that he plans to retire at the end of his term in 2026. In a statement, the North Carolina Republican referenced "the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics."

"When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer," Tillis said. "But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure."

"In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," he added.

Tillis added that the choice broke down to either spending time with his family or navigating "the political theater and partisan gridlock," in Washington, D.C.

"It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election," he said.

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., also reacted to Tillis' announcement with a criticism of Trump.

"I do not agree with N.C. Senator Thom Tillis on much. But he's right on this," Sanders' post began.

He added, "Trump's Republican Party does not allow for independent thought. The Republican Party today is a cult. Either you do as Trump wants, or you're out. Pathetic."

On Saturday evening, Trump blasted Tillis as a "grandstander" and expressed interest in interviewing potential primary challengers.

"Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against 'Senator Thom' Tillis," Trump said on Truth Social. 

"I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.

Fox News Digital's Alex Miller contributed to this report.