Monday, September 28, 2026 300 stories · 2465 outlet reports compared

Tillis says Trump's endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn was a 'colossal mistake'

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized President Trump on CNN's 'State of the Union' for backing Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary.

By The Lumen desk · Sept 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Share Save
From The Lumen
Your brand, here.Reach readers who see every side of the story.Advertise with us
What we know
1 Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) criticized Trump's endorsement decision during a CNN interview.
2 Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary.
3 Paxton defeated Cornyn in the primary held in May, according to The Guardian.
4 Tillis made the comments on CNN's 'State of the Union' with host Jake Tapper.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Sunday that President Trump made a 'colossal mistake' by supporting Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary, according to multiple outlets.

From The Lumen · story continues below
Our mission
One story. Every side. You decide what to make of it.
Join free

Tillis made the remarks during an interview with host Jake Tapper on CNN's 'State of the Union.' Paxton defeated Cornyn in the May primary, according to The Guardian.

According to The Guardian, Tillis argued that Trump's decision to back Paxton over Cornyn has put the Senate seat at risk for Republicans. Tillis is described as a frequent critic of Trump.

How each side covered it

Left

2 outlets
  • The Guardian reported Tillis called Trump's support of Paxton over Cornyn a 'colossal mistake.'
  • The Guardian noted Tillis argued the decision put the Senate seat at risk for Republicans.
  • The Guardian described Tillis as a frequent Trump critic.

“Republican says Trump’s support of Ken Paxton in Texas primary was ‘colossal mistake’” — The Guardian

Center

1 outlet
  • The Hill reported Tillis blasted Trump for endorsing Paxton over Cornyn in the Texas primary.
  • The Hill quoted Tillis saying Trump made a 'colossal mistake' in the case of Cornyn.
  • The interview took place on CNN's 'State of the Union' with host Jake Tapper.

“Tillis says Trump endorsing Paxton over Cornyn was ‘colossal mistake’” — The Hill

Right

1 outlet
  • Breitbart reported Tillis's characterization of Trump's decision as a 'colossal mistake.'
  • Breitbart's headline focused on Trump not supporting Senator Cornyn.

“Tillis: Trump ‘Made a Colossal Mistake’ Not Supporting Sen. Cornyn” — Breitbart

Questions readers ask

What did Thom Tillis say about Trump's endorsement in Texas?

Senator Thom Tillis said President Trump made a 'colossal mistake' by endorsing Ken Paxton instead of incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary, according to CNN and The Hill.

Who won the Texas Senate Republican primary?

Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate Republican primary held in May, according to The Guardian.

Why does this matter?

According to The Guardian, Tillis argued that Trump's endorsement decision has put the Republican-held Senate seat at risk in Texas.

Where did Tillis make these comments?

Tillis made the remarks during an interview with host Jake Tapper on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

Sources · 4 outlet reports

Advertise with The Lumen
Put your brand in front of readers who read to the end
Talk to us about placements. advertise@thelumen.io

More in Politics

All Politics ›

DHS denies report that ICE is pausing arrests of non-criminal migrants

Sept 28, 2026 · Blindspot: Left

Mixed political mood in Speaker Mike Johnson's district as GOP policies roll out

Sept 28, 2026 · More from the right

Rep. Khanna says third Trump impeachment would be about 'setting a standard'

Sept 28, 2026 · More from the right