‘RINO’ Senator Reverses Course, Expresses Support For Key Trump Nominee

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, announced Sunday that he would support the confirmation of Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as chair of the Federal Reserve. The announcement followed the Department of Justice’s decision to end its criminal investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Tillis had previously opposed advancing Warsh’s nomination, which Trump put forward in January 2026 to replace Powell when his term as chair expires on May 15. The retiring senator had conditioned his support for any Federal Reserve nominee on the resolution of the DOJ probe, which examined cost overruns in the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters in Washington.

He had previously described the inquiry as lacking evidence of criminal intent and argued that it risked undermining the independence of the central bank.

“Kevin Warsh is a qualified nominee with a deep understanding of monetary policy. However, the Department of Justice continues to pursue a criminal investigation into Chairman Jerome Powell based on committee testimony that no reasonable person could construe as possessing criminal intent,” Tillis said shortly after the nomination was announced earlier this year.

“Protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable. My position has not changed: I will oppose the confirmation of any Federal Reserve nominee, including for the position of Chairman, until the DOJ’s inquiry into Chairman Powell is fully and transparently resolved.”

Warsh testifies before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on April 21, 2026

During Warsh’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee on April 21, Tillis reiterated his stance while praising the nominee.

“You have extraordinary credentials. They’re impeccable. The problem that I have here is that we had some U.S. attorney with a dream or assistant U.S. attorney thinking it would be cute to bring Chair Powell under an investigation just a few months before the position was going to be open. Let’s get rid of this investigation so I can support your confirmation,” the senator said during the hearing. “I look forward to supporting your nomination and I look forward to this investigation being taken down.”

Tillis maintained this position for months, effectively stalling the nomination in committee despite calling Warsh “a perfect candidate” in earlier interviews.

On Sunday, following the DOJ’s decision to close the Powell inquiry, Tillis committed to supporting Trump’s nominee. “I am prepared to move on with the confirmation of Mr. Warsh. I think he’s going to be a great Fed chair,” the senator told “Meet The Press” Host Kristen Welker.

In a separate written statement, Tillis added that he took the Justice Department “at its word” that the case was closed and that any future action would require a criminal referral from the inspector general. “With these assurances, I look forward to supporting Kevin Warsh’s confirmation,” he added.

Tillis’ lack of support had been a crucial sticking point to advancing the nomination. Republicans hold a 13-11 majority on the Senate Banking Committee, but Democrats have remained unified in opposition to Warsh. Without Tillis’ vote, the nomination could not proceed out of committee.

His change in position clears the way for a committee vote scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, which would likely lead to a full floor vote not long after. Powell’s term is set to expire on May 11.

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