Tillis: Our Troops Deserve Competent Leadership - Not a Political Spectacle

Tillis Helped Confirm a National Security Disaster

Sen. Tillis,

As a constituent who is outraged by your decision to confirm this individual, I am shocked and disappointed that the Senate confirmed a nominee so blatantly unqualified to lead the Department of Defense. North Carolina is home to one of the largest military populations in the nation—this decision directly affects our communities, our bases, and our families.

This individual has neither the professional discipline nor the strategic foresight required for such a critical post. Even more disturbing are the documented reports that he used an unofficial messaging app to discuss top-secret operations, invited a reporter into these conversations, and in a separate Signal chat, included his wife—who lacks any security clearance—as well as his brother and personal lawyer. While the brother and lawyer work for the Pentagon, neither had any operational need to access the classified discussions being held. And now, we learn that he conducted official communications using a dirty internet line—an unacceptable exposure that endangers operations and lives.

This isn’t just unprofessional—it’s reckless and dangerous. Our service members deserve a Secretary of Defense who commands respect through competence, not media antics or political favoritism. This isn’t a symbolic role—it’s about protecting American lives and leading the strongest fighting force in the world.

So far, only one Republican—Rep. Don Bacon—has had the courage to call for this nominee’s resignation. I urge you to follow that lead and demand his immediate removal. Our military cannot be led by someone so cavalier with our most sensitive secrets.

Our troops are counting on you to stand up, speak out, and do what’s right.

TildenM