North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis paid homage to Alexei Navalny following the news of the Russian dissident’s demise in prison last Friday.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Tillis expressed his admiration for Navalny’s unwavering dedication to the freedom of his homeland. He asserted, “Navalny laid down his life fighting for the freedom of the country he loved.”
Moreover, Tillis didn’t mince words in his assessment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, branding him as a “murderous, paranoid dictator.” He also foresaw a harsh judgment in history for those in America who turn a blind eye to Putin’s autocratic regime.
Tillis’s critique of American apologists for Putin appeared to be directed towards individuals like Tucker Carlson, whose recent interview with the Russian leader drew sharp rebuke. Notably, Tillis openly criticized Carlson’s Moscow grocery store stunt, labeling him a “useful idiot.”
Navalny laid down his life fighting for the freedom of the country he loved. Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy. Nor will history be kind to America’s leaders who stay… https://t.co/wKnOIcrEi3
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) February 16, 2024
However, Tillis’s rebuke might have encompassed more than just Carlson. It hinted at a broader divide within the Republican Party regarding their stance on Russia. While Tillis firmly opposes Putin’s regime, not all of his Republican colleagues in the Senate share the same sentiment.
Senators like Tommy Tuberville from Alabama and Ron Johnson from Wisconsin offered tepid praise for Putin’s leadership earlier in the week, remarks that now seem out of touch in the wake of Navalny’s demise.
It’s worth noting that Tillis has previously received the endorsement of former President Trump and has treaded carefully not to criticize the GOP’s current front-runner, who once lauded Putin as a “genius.”
Tillis’s remarks may not represent a groundbreaking geopolitical stance in 2024, but they do underscore a shifting political landscape within the Republican Party. The emergence of a potential new Cold War sentiment among Republicans signifies a noteworthy divergence in their foreign policy outlook.
