In a recent appearance on the Jack Neel Podcast, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson directed sharp criticism at Donald Trump, intensifying his ongoing estrangement from the White House over its handling of the Iran conflict. Known for his outspoken views, Carlson accused Trump of projecting false bravado with his threats against Iran amid escalating tensions. Reflecting on the President’s strategy following the initial strike on Ayatollah Khomeini, Carlson remarked, “He tried to posture his way out of it,” highlighting Iran’s resistance. Carlson argued that after numerous Truth Social posts, the global consensus was that Trump appeared weak, stating, “Strong people don’t brag about their strength; they act decisively.” Drawing an analogy, Carlson compared Trump to a boastful, non-threatening boxer before bluntly advising, “Shut up, [expletive]. I don’t take you seriously. I’m not being mean, but come on.”
Carlson grieves Trump’s Middle East decisions
Despite his harsh criticism regarding the war, Carlson expressed his personal fondness for Trump. “I don’t hate Trump. I’ve always liked Trump. I just enjoy crude humor and am easily amused,” shared Carlson. He acknowledged liking many people, noticeably remarking that Trump isn’t the most disagreeable person he knows. However, Carlson conveyed heartfelt concern over the impact of Trump’s decisions in the Middle East on the nation. Despite having stood firmly behind Trump, including speaking at a rally in Madison Square Garden to support his 2024 presidential bid, Carlson’s support appears to have waned since the outbreak of conflict.
Carlson questions Trump’s spiritual standing
In an April 15 episode of his Tucker Carlson Show, Carlson, whose independent podcast has garnered a significant audience, unleashed a biblical critique of Trump. “Here’s a leader who mocks his ancestors’ deities and elevates himself above them,” Carlson stated, contemplating, “Could this be the Antichrist? Well, who knows?” In a surprising move, Carlson issued a contrite apology to his listeners for having previously endorsed Trump. “I believe this is a moment to reflect on our own consciences,” he conveyed, adding a note of regret for unintentionally misleading others.
Trump blasts critics as son resigns
Carlson’s reflections resonated with a sense of lasting remorse. “We’ll be tormented by it for a long time,” he said, his furrowed brow underscoring the sincerity of his message. “I will be,” he confessed, expressing his apologies for any previous misinformation. Meanwhile, Carlson’s son, Buckley, 29, vacated his role as JD Vance’s deputy press secretary, though the White House stated this move was pre-arranged. In response to the burgeoning criticism from Carlson and others, Trump retaliated on Truth Social, accusing his detractors—including Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones—of “Low IQs.”
Carlson fallout fuels conservative backlash
Carlson’s abrupt disengagement from Trump has further fueled the ongoing discord within conservative circles. Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of the Daily Wire and a prominent figure in conservative media, remarked to the Daily Mail, “We already know what Tucker thinks of Trump. He told his colleagues he hated him ‘passionately,’ yet still supported him and assisted the administration.” Boreing suggested that Carlson now seeks to spin his regret into a narrative. Boreing’s comments alluded to a leaked 2021 message Carlson sent to a Fox News colleague, expressing his strong dislike for Trump and skepticism about Trump’s potential benefits. The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for their response on the matter.