OPINION: Thom Tillis needs to show courage and reject some of Trump’s cabinet nominees

Sen. Thom Tillis expressed support for Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director. Patel, however, is a promoter of conspiracy theories, including those surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection, and Tillis should reconsider, a former Army veteran writes. 

During the February 2024 congressional debate over additional aid for Ukraine, North Carolina’s senior Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, passionately supported U.S. efforts to defend European democracy against Russia’s brutal invasion.

“You can’t be a coward,” Tillis said. “I’ve drawn the conclusion that we will rue the day that we let this coalition disintegrate and let Vladimir Putin occupy the breadbasket of Europe.”

At first glance, this may seem like the words of a leader with courage and conviction, someone prioritizing country over partisan politics. Unfortunately, this assessment doesn’t reflect Tillis’ track record. Too often, he caves to the most extreme elements of his party, prioritizing power over principles.

This brings us to President-Elect Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks. Tillis recently announced that he would do whatever it takes to confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director. Few seemed to question the absurdity of Trump’s plan to fire current FBI Director Christopher Wray—whom Trump himself appointed after firing James Comey. Wray’s only offense? Refusing to support Trump’s coup attempts and false claims about the 2020 election. 

Fortunately for Trump, and unfortunately for American norms and institutions, Wray caved in advance and has decided to resign at the end of the Biden administration. This cowardice and acquiescence to Trump seems to be contagious these days among our so called “leaders.” 

But the FBI, for all its flaws, has consistently done vital work for the people of North Carolina. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the nation’s top law enforcement agency helps’ us identify flood victims, warns about any variety of scams and hunts down murderers all hours of the day. The FBI serves as a force for good.

Then there’s Patel. His nomination epitomizes far-right extremism. He is a leading promoter of conspiracy theories, including those surrounding the January 6 insurrection, and has even produced a song sung by those imprisoned for their role in the Capitol attack.

Russian state media has praised Patel’s nomination, calling him “on fire” and “tremendous.” What happened to the Reagan-era Republican belief that Russian praise was a warning sign? 

Patel’s nomination is not only dangerous but also deeply ironic, considering Tillis previously condemned Tucker Carlson’s lies about the Capitol riot. 

Yet despite these contradictions, Tillis seems poised to support Patel, putting his political career ahead of his principles. He appears unwilling to follow the example set by former GOP members like Liz Cheney, who bravely stood against Trump despite the political cost.

But Patel isn’t the only problematic nominee. Russian propagandists have lauded Trump’s entire cabinet lineup, stating, “If they are allowed to get in, they will quickly dismantle America, brick by brick.”  

This is no coincidence—Trump’s cabinet picks aren’t designed to improve the nation but to weaken its institutions and consolidate his power.

Senator Tillis still has time to change course. As the saying goes, “There is never a wrong time to do the right thing.”

As an Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division and a member of a veteran’s organization that advocates for responsible leadership, I believe integrity is the most critical trait an elected official can possess. Caving to extremist elements for short-term political gain is cowardice, and it weakens our nation.

Tillis’s own words during the Ukraine debate offer a guiding principle: “You can’t be a coward. When you see something so threatening to the democratic world order, it would be irresponsible to act in any other way.”

Tillis must reject not only Patel but also Trump’s other dangerous nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of health and human services. We must demand leaders with integrity, character, and a moral compass.

Fellow North Carolinians, it’s time to make our voices heard. Call Senator Tillis’s office today and demand that he stand up for democracy and the rule of law. 

Though Trump’s reelection was a blow to the pro-democracy movement, it’s far from the end. Trump won the popular vote by just 1.5%, showing that his mandate is hardly overwhelming. Oppose MAGA, respect free and fair elections, and focus on the future by protecting our democracy.When I feel despair about our country, I turn to the words of Frederick Douglass in his final speech, “Lessons of the Hour” (1895): “Recognize the fact that the rights of the humblest citizen are as worthy of protection as those of the highest, and your problem will be solved… based upon the eternal principles of truth, justice, and humanity, your Republic will stand and flourish forever.”