Trump Calls GOP Senators Murkowski, Tillis ‘Losers’ Over Noem Criticism Fallout/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump slammed Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis for criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Both senators called for Noem’s removal after her controversial remarks about a deadly Minnesota shooting. Trump defended Noem and dismissed the senators as “losers.”
Trump GOP Clash Quick Looks
- Trump labeled Murkowski and Tillis as “losers” in an ABC interview
- Both GOP senators urged Trump to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
- Noem faces backlash for comments after Minnesota shooting
- Trump said Noem is doing “a very good job”
- Trump also dismissed concerns about Rep. Ilhan Omar’s town hall attack
- DHS controversy part of growing GOP-Democratic tensions ahead of shutdown talks
Deep Look
Trump Slams GOP Senators Murkowski, Tillis Over DHS Chief Criticism
In a fiery interview with ABC News, President Donald Trump sharply criticized Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) for urging the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump dismissed both lawmakers as “losers,” highlighting their diminished roles in the GOP.
“They’re terrible senators. One is gone, and the other should be gone,” Trump said. “What Murkowski says — she’s always against the Republicans anyway. And Tillis decided to drop out. So you know, he lost his voice once he did that.”
The comments came shortly after Murkowski and Tillis became the first GOP senators to publicly call for Noem’s removal. Their criticism stems from Noem’s controversial response to a deadly shooting in Minnesota involving federal immigration agents. The incident resulted in the death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti.
Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, called Noem’s response “amateurish” and damaging to the Republican image. “I think what she’s done in Minnesota should be disqualifying,” he told reporters. “It’s just terrible. It’s making the president look bad.”
Murkowski echoed the sentiment, telling reporters bluntly that “she should go.” Their remarks added pressure on Trump to reconsider his unwavering support for Noem — pressure he has so far resisted.
Speaking at the White House, Trump reiterated his support for Noem, saying, “I think she’s doing a very good job.” When asked whether Noem might step down, he responded, “No.”
Noem’s recent troubles intensified following her labeling of Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” a claim made without presenting any evidence. Critics accused her of making reckless statements that further escalated tensions surrounding the incident.
While Democrats have increasingly called for Noem’s impeachment, Trump has drawn a red line against any Republican joining in that demand. He made clear that he sees criticism from his own party as a betrayal.
In the same interview, Trump also took a swipe at Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who was attacked during a Minnesota town hall on Tuesday. Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by a man later identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak. The assailant was quickly subdued and detained.
Asked about Omar’s assault, Trump responded dismissively: “I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I don’t really think about that.”
Trump’s remarks highlight growing divisions within the GOP over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics, especially as the party approaches a critical funding deadline. The controversy over Noem, coupled with broader discussions on Homeland Security funding and immigration enforcement, is intensifying internal party debates.
With Republicans fractured over enforcement approaches and Democrats pushing for changes to controversial DHS practices, the political climate is growing more volatile. Trump’s public rebuke of Murkowski and Tillis may signal that he’s drawing hard lines as the 2026 election cycle heats up.
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