Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a key figure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has vowed he will oppose any Justice Department nominee who minimizes the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
Tillis recently forced an end to a federal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The probe, which examined whether Powell misled Congress during a hearing last year, concluded Wednesday when the Justice Department dropped the inquiry.
The move came after Tillis used his position to advance Fed nominee Kevin Warsh to the Senate floor following the closure of the investigation. Tillis had previously warned that delays in resolving the issue could jeopardize Powell’s term and the Federal Reserve’s independence.
Tillis emphasized his stance on January 6, noting he was the last senator to leave the chamber as protesters disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. He has previously blocked the nomination of Ed Martin for U.S. attorney due to Martin’s comments about the protests and his legal work defending participants.
“Whenever a nominee comes forward, I’ll apply the Martin standard,” Tillis stated, referring to his requirement that candidates must not downplay the January 6 events.
The episode differs from the current attorney general vacancy, where Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche remains in interim role under federal law. Tillis said he will maintain his position regardless of timing, linking the Powell dispute to broader concerns about Senate procedures and the Fed’s independence.
Tillis, who is retiring at the end of January, has taken a more outspoken role on several issues while expressing respect for President Trump and his desire for the administration to succeed.
