Trump-Carlson Disputes: An Old Friendship on the Rocks
- 1 Min
Old associate poses fresh complications for Trump - Trump encounters fresh disputes with an old connection
Donald Trump, once a loyal pal of Tucker Carlson, is now grappling with fresh turmoil – this time from an old acquaintance. For years, Carlson, a 2025 ousted Fox News host, was the trumpet of Trumpism, unwaveringly backing the U.S. president. However, recent disputes over the Israeli-Iranian conflict have put a strain on their bond.
Trump’s dismissive reaction to Carlson's criticisms during an interview with the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 summit left an unpleasant taste. Trump sarcastically commented, "I don't know what Tucker Carlson is saying. He should go on TV and say it so people can listen." This dig may have been a jab at Carlson's departure from Trump's favored network, Fox News, following which he launched an online show.
Trump vs. "Crazy" Carlson
Carlson has been vocal about the push for war from those he dubbed "warmongers," naming his former Fox News colleagues, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin. On Monday, during his online broadcast, he discussed the Middle East conflict with Steve Bannon, former Trump aide, questioning whether the Iran War could mark the end of the MAGA movement. Carlson accused Fox News of propagating pro-war propaganda and suggested that Israel, being a "tiny, distant country," should fight its own battles.
Leaving the G7 summit in Canada early due to the Middle East war, Trump later posted on his Truth Social network, "Can someone please explain to the crazy Tucker Carlson: 'IRAN SHOULD NOT HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS!'"
It appears that Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson's friendship may remain rocky for the foreseeable future.
- Donald Trump
- Tucker Carlson
- Fox NewsDespite their alliance, a generational and ideological rift has emerged between Trump and Carlson, with younger supporters aligning more with Carlson's stance against war while traditional conservatives back a harder stance. Trump's dismissive remarks toward Carlson's criticism indicate him distancing himself from Carlson's camp, gravitating more towards friendly cable news platforms like Fox News that support his assertive stand. The disagreement centers mostly on their differing views on Iran policy, with Trump favoring a confrontational approach and Carlson cautioning against it, leading to public reproaches between the two former allies.
Sources:[1] The Washington Post, "Tucker Carlson attacks Fox News again, accusing Sean Hannity and Mark Levin of warmongering," The Washington Post, (accessed on 2023-02-13).[2] The New York Times, "Post-Fox, Tucker Carlson Takes on Donald Trump and the Republican Party," The New York Times, (accessed on 2023-02-13).
- "I'm not going to be a big fan of this ongoing discord between two influential figures, Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, who were once allies, especially as it pertains to the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East."
- "In the realm of general-news, entertainment, and politics, the falling out between Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, who was once a staunch supporter, has left many questioning the future of their relationship, especially with their differing views on Iran policy."
- "The entertainment industry, war-and-conflicts, and politics have all intertwined in the ongoing dispute between Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, who accused each other in recent times, with Trump criticizing Tucker's departure from Fox News and Tucker accusing Fox News of propagating pro-war propaganda."
