Tucker Carlson spent years establishing his brand on cable news, gaining a loyal following by targeting Democrats and rival news figures. Recently, however, conservative podcasters and social media figures are reigniting the debate around Fox News, the network he was once a prominent face for until he was let go three years ago.
Carlson has been vocal about his disapproval of U.S. involvement in the Israeli-Iran conflict, criticizing Fox for its stance on the matter. In a recent episode of his online show, he mentioned, “The Murdocks really hate Trump.” He revealed that after his firing in April 2023, Fox approached him in May about running for president against Trump, promising their support.
This feud illustrates a larger struggle within the MAGA movement for Trump’s attention. Carlson, alongside other anti-war figures, is concerned that Fox’s hawkish narrative, especially regarding Iran, has a significant influence on Trump’s decisions. The former president is known to consume media that shapes his choices in real-time.
The New York Times noted that some of Trump’s closest advisors have distanced themselves from Fox, anxious that he isn’t hearing enough dissenting opinions as he deliberates military action against Iran’s nuclear sites.
Carlson goes further, labeling Fox’s messaging as “propaganda,” suggesting that the network serves to benefit interests that push for war. In an interview with Steve Bannon, who shares a contentious history with the Murdoch family, Carlson stated, “It feels like Fox is playing a central role in the push of war.” He criticized how the network tends to overwhelm its audience with pro-war rhetoric, effectively changing the narrative.
On the other hand, one of Carlson’s critics is Marc Levin, a Fox News host known for his fiery rhetoric. Levin didn’t hold back during a recent broadcast, challenging Carlson’s previous stances while he was at CNN and MSNBC and advocating for a more aggressive military response to Iran. He even referred to Carlson as “Qatarson,” alluding to Qatar’s ties as an Iranian ally.
Carlson’s critical remarks about Trump have surprised many, causing the ex-president to label him “strange” in a social media post, although it seems they managed to reconcile later. Sources maintain that Carlson and Trump are on good terms, suggesting a potential truce in their respective factions.
Nonetheless, tensions between Carlson and Fox remain unresolved. Recently, Carlson expressed confusion over Fox hosts advocating military action against Iran, accusing them of bearing ill will toward Trump. He featured clips of various political figures—many of whom are not fans of the former president—during his online discussions.
Carlson gained attention for a recent interview where he pressed Senator Ted Cruz, questioning the rationale behind U.S. involvement in the Middle East. This interaction sparked debate, as Cruz’s appearances on Fox have been frequent, often countering Carlson’s points on other programs.
Some analysts argue Carlson’s public criticism serves his interests, pointing out that controversy is a part of his brand. A professor at George Washington University noted, “If he isn’t stirring the pot, he’s not really doing his job.” Observers suggest that Fox’s alignment with Trump in the wake of military actions against Iran is a calculated strategy to retain viewer engagement.
It appears both Trump and Carlson are positioning themselves to navigate the complex political landscape while addressing their respective bases. The interplay between their views, especially regarding Fox’s pro-war stance, seems set to continue as both entities seek to maintain their influence.
