Thom Tillis Criticizes Trump Administration’s Iran Deal and Anti-Weaponization Fund

Retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis used a Sunday interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” to denounce Trump-era actions. He called the Justice Department’s $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” a “payout pot for punks” and “stupid on stilts,” and he questioned an Iran peace framework that would leave nuclear material in Tehran after the Pentagon previously claimed Iran’s defenses were “obliterated.”

Tampa Free Press

The Iran conflict began in early 2024, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming U.S. forces had destroyed Iran’s defenses. President Trump’s agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20 percent of oil flows—while allowing Iran to keep nuclear material. Anti-Weaponization Fund, created in May 2026 as part of a DOJ-IRS settlement, is meant to compensate those who say they were targeted, but it does not exclude individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police on Jan. 6, 2021.

The Hill

Sen. Thom Tillis, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Trump, DHS chief Kristi Noem, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker, Republican leader Mitch McConnell, Rep. Tom Suozzi, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

Politico

The fund totals $1.776 billion; the Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 percent of world oil; U.S. gasoline prices rose from under $3 to over $4.50 per gallon after the Iran conflict began.

The Hill

Tillis’s remarks reveal a GOP split between establishment senators and Trump-aligned members. The fund’s design raises oversight concerns, and the Iran framework could set a precedent for future nuclear talks, affecting budget deliberations and the Senate’s treaty-ratification role.

MEAWW

President Trump called Tillis a “RINO” on Truth Social. Mitch McConnell called the fund “utterly stupid or morally wrong.” Rep. Tom Suozzi and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick urged legislation to rescind it. Roger Wicker warned Iran proposal would be a “disaster” if it permits a 60-day cease-fire without nuclear constraints.

Politico

Some Republican senators questioned the fund’s eligibility rules, while others defended the administration’s Iran approach. Tillis also cited Hegseth’s reversal on troop deployments to Poland and the shift in U.S. support for Ukraine as signs of inconsistent defense policy.

The Hill

• “I call it a payout pot for punks,” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (R-NC)

Politico

• “stupid on stilts.” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (R-NC)

Politico

• “Everybody knows this is wrong,” — Tom Suozzi, U.S. Representative (D-NY)

Politico

• “Mitch McConnell, the former longtime Republican leader, condemned the fund as “utterly stupid or morally wrong.” — Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader (R-KY)

Politico

• “If the Republican Party stands for standing with insurrectionists who assaulted police officers, turning a blind eye towards Putin… negotiating a deal that may be subpar to the Obama deal, then don’t call me that Republican. Just call me a conservative,” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (R-NC)

Tampa Free Press

Lawmakers may introduce amendments to defund the Anti-Weaponization Fund in the upcoming budget. Tillis urged any Iran agreement be submitted to Congress for ratification, indicating heightened Senate scrutiny of future negotiations.

Tampa Free Press