Thom Tillis is a Republican politician from North Carolina who has served as a United States Senator since 2015. Tillis has a complex history with former President Donald Trump, and his relationship with Trump has evolved over time.

During the 2016 presidential election, Tillis initially endorsed Senator Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination. However, once Trump secured the nomination, Tillis announced his support for Trump and encouraged other Republicans to do the same. Tillis also spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention in support of Trump.

Tillis continued to be a vocal supporter of Trump throughout his presidency, often voting in line with Trump's agenda and supporting his policies. However, there were also times when Tillis broke with Trump on certain issues, such as his opposition to the use of emergency powers to fund the construction of a border wall.

In 2020, Tillis faced a tough reelection campaign in North Carolina, and his relationship with Trump was seen as a key factor in the race. Tillis actively sought Trump's endorsement and frequently touted his support for the president's policies, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump eventually endorsed Tillis in September 2020, and the two appeared at a rally together in North Carolina. Tillis went on to narrowly win reelection in November 2020, defeating his Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham.

In summary, Thom Tillis initially endorsed Marco Rubio during the 2016 presidential election, but later endorsed Donald Trump once he secured the Republican nomination. Tillis was generally supportive of Trump during his presidency, although he occasionally broke with the former president on certain issues. During his 2020 reelection campaign, Tillis actively sought Trump's endorsement and ultimately won with the former president's support.