Tucker Carlson has come a long way. He used to work for the left-liberal MSNBC, but his late-night show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” landed him on Fox News. Until 2023, he passionately promoted Republicans there — and Donald Trump in particular. After his departure, he started his own business – he provided the stage in online formats, among others. Russian President Vladimir Putin or Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. In addition, he acted as an instigator for Trump during the last presidential campaign.
Recently, however, something happened publicly breaking off friendship with Trump. Tucker Carlson sharply criticized his aggression against Iran, calling the attacks “absolutely disgusting and evil.” — I think this is the moment when we have to face our conscience. “This will haunt us for a long time,” he said on his podcast. — I would like to say that I am sorry that I misled people.
It didn't take long for Trump to react furiously.
On his Truth Social platform, he wrote that Carlson is an “idiot who didn't even finish college” and should “see a good psychiatrist.” According to Trump, he belongs, next to journalist Megyn Kelly and radio presenter Alex Jones, to the group of “crazies, brawlers who would say anything to gain cheap publicity.” And that they would be delighted if Iran, “the main state supporter of terrorism”, had nuclear weapons.
Journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro of The New York Times met with Carlson and asked him about his position on the war in the Middle East. He said that he had been talking to Trump about Iran since 2016 because he and many of his predecessors had enormous pressure to bring about a regime change in that country.
— From the experience we have with a much smaller country like Iraq, we know that this is a huge challenge that does not necessarily lead to the desired result and is detrimental to the United States. Trump knew this, Carlson emphasized. That's why, while serving as a host on Fox News, he strongly supported the then presidential candidate. “It was crucial to my view of Trump's candidacy and presidency,” he said.
— Iran is not a military power, but an economic power. This was obvious because the country controls the largest stretch of the Persian Gulf coast, which accounts for one-fifth of the world's energy supply – all this is common knowledge today and he was aware of it too, Carlson said. “I think he fully understood the consequences.
The podcaster dismissed rumors that Trump suffers from dementia. Similarly, he denied claims that the US president had underestimated Iran. — I think the operation in Venezuela allowed him to retreat into a kind of fantasy world where he convinced himself that it would be a piece of cake. But I don't think he believes it himself, he said.
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When the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last June, it paved the way for regime change in Iran, which Carlson admitted left him “bewildered.” He feared the “catastrophic consequences” of this move. At the beginning of the year, he repeatedly visited Trump in Washington and spoke to him on the phone to somehow influence him.
— At the end of these conversations – the last one probably took place a week before the war began – I had the strong impression that he saw no other option and had accepted it. He was unhappy about it, Carlson said.
According to his observations, neither Trump nor Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who himself always presented Iran as the greatest threat, was enthusiastic about military intervention. No one in the White House supported the war plans with enthusiasm. — As always, there were many cowards, and Trump is fomenting cowardice in those around him through intimidation. He has a fascinating charisma. “I think it's actually magic,” he said with delight. — As a result, he weakens those around him, making them more obedient and confused. I have experienced this myself. Spending a day with Trump feels like you're in some sort of dream world. It's like smoking hashish.
“The case between Trump, Bibi and God”
Who ultimately voted for the war? — I have a strong feeling, but I could be wrong since I don't work there, that no one in this building was pushing for it, at least not openly. “All the pressure came from the outside — constant calls from donors and people who had influence on the president,” Carlson said. He mentioned media entrepreneur Rupert Murdoch, party donor Miriam Adelson, conservative activist Mark Levin and broadcaster Sean Hannity. The latter two denied Carlson's words.
In Lulu Garcia-Navarro's interview with the former Fox News host, what is striking is how Carlson fills in the gaps in his knowledge of the events with guesses. — It wasn't a normal decision-making process. “I got the strong impression that Trump was more of a hostage than a sovereign decision-maker in this case,” the former anchor said. — What are the mechanisms that prevent a man who is supposedly sovereign, responsible and entrusted with this power by millions of voters from making decisions in the interest of the country or even in his own interest?
When asked about whose hostage the US president could be, Carlson answered bluntly: Binyamin Netanyahu and his numerous supporters in the United States. Carlson said their goal was to undermine the negotiated solution and continue the conflict “until Iran is destroyed and thrown into chaos – that is Israel's goal.” He said he did not want his assessment to be perceived as an attack on Israel, but in his opinion these are the facts. — Trump has refused to even publicly criticize Netanyahu. Is this a joke? It's slavery. It's complete control by one person over another. As far as I'm concerned, this is a matter between Trump, Bibi and God, he added.
He stated that he had defended the US president on Fox News for over 10 years, “but now there are consequences of this decision [o ataku na Iran] are so devastating to the United States and to my family and yours that it just has to be said.” Carlson portrayed his opposition to Trump as a form of self-defense.
— This whole situation will devastate everyone involved in it for the foreseeable future, including the entire Republican Party. If you are happy with [potencjalnej] Gavin Newsom's presidency, I guess that's a good thing. I'm not happy, that's why I consider it a disaster. A real disaster, he added.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
