Senator Tillis mocked Trump’s "loser" comment after criticizing Noem’s border handling, amid calls for her resignation following a fatal shooting.

After President Trump called Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) a "loser" for questioning DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's response to a deadly Border Patrol shooting in Minneapolis, Tillis made a joke. Alex Pretti, a citizen of the United States, died in the incident, which prompted calls for accountability from both parties. Tillis claimed that Trump's insult made him "qualified" for the position of homeland security secretary, and he is one of just two Republican senators calling for Noem to step down. White House officials defended Noem and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who allegedly influenced her choices, while the agents in question were put on leave. A DHS funding bill must be passed by lawmakers by Friday. Democrats want to restrict ICE operations, while some Republicans want more oversight.