Timid Thom, Tariff Thom

The only thing more excruciating than Trump’s tariff policy has been Senator Thom Tillis’ weak response as the president intentionally turns the global economy into a raging dumpster fire. 

Trump’s tariffs will increase consumer prices by 2.3% in the short run, costing the average American household $3,800 a year. Virtually everything, from cans of beer to laptops to sneakers, will be more expensive. Car insurance rates are projected to increase by 8%, clothing prices by 17%, cars by 25%. Economic growth is projected to slow, with the stock market already down 15% from its peak, halfway toward recession territory. 

North Carolina’s senior senator has been as timid as ever, scared to offend Trump, reluctant to take any sort of definitive stand for his constituents. Here are some of his greatest hits when Tillis has been asked about Trump’s tariffs. 

January 31: On Trump’s initial round of tariffs on Mexico and Canada

Tillis started out with firm support for Trump’s tariffs. Reuters reported: “Senator Thom Tillis said Trump should ‘absolutely’ threaten tariffs on Mexico as leverage on efforts to stem the flow of fentanyl and migration, as well as on Canada to increase its defense spending to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. But the senator, whose home state of North Carolina exports more than $700 million worth of goods to Canada each year, noted that tariffs can trigger higher prices, saying ‘you have to be very careful.’”

February 3: On the initial results of Trump’s tariffs

Tillis doubled down on his support for tariffs on X, saying “While making tariffs a long-term policy would hurt our economy, the strategic short-term use of them as leverage is producing results.”

March 6: On whether Trump should back off if tariffs start to hurt constituents

Tillis begins backpedaling, but remains noncommittal:  “When we start losing, you back off. There’s such a thing as strategic retreat. At the end of the day, I think we have more leverage than any other nation. But we gotta be smart.”

March 13: On whether he’s concerned about reciprocal tariffs

Tillis shows support for Trump’s tariffs again, saying “I don’t question the wisdom of the president flexing and making it clear that we want fair and fair trade.” 

April 1: On whether he would join Republicans to block tariffs on Canada

When it was hinted that Tillis may vote against Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Tillis affirmed his support for the president’s policy, saying “Nope, this story is wrong. I was not talking about the Kaine resolution, which I will be voting against.” 

April 3: On the potential of Trump hiking tariffs even higher

Tillis expressed optimism for Trump’s tariffs, sharing that he could see them going even higher: “Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) said President Trump’s tariff announcement will likely represent a ceiling and not a floor—but that could change if countries impose retaliatory tariffs. ‘Absent retaliation, obviously, then the sky is the limit,” Tillis said.” 

April 3: On whether he would support Republican efforts to rein in Trump

Tillis lightly advocates for Congress stepping in to protect the global economy, saying “I think there’s something to be said for having congressional review.” 

April 3: On the pain of tariffs

Rather than come out firmly against Trump’s policy, Tillis simply says “We’ve got to be crisp on this implementation. Otherwise, we could do damage that’s irreparable to farmers.”

April 4: On Trump’s initial rollout of tariffs

Tillis’ latest remarks on the politics of tariffs:“‘If it works, it will be fabulous. If it doesn’t work, it’s going to be fabulous for the other side.’”

This is not fabulous for anyone. It hurts our wallets. It burns our allies. It weakens our country. And Tillis’ statements have been noncommittal at best, enabling at worst. Simply put, they amount to nothing. 

Tillis has never had a reputation for being a firebrand. But his inability to take a stand, to advocate on behalf of his state in the midst of a looming economic crisis, is unforgivable.

“There’s something to be said,” “we gotta be smart,” “you have to be careful”– these aren’t the words of a man with confidence. These aren’t the words of someone you trust to stand up for your state, your community, your family. 

These are the words of a man too scared to make a mistake. And this could ultimately be his greatest mistake of all.