Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, has described President Donald Trump as possessing a "supernatural component" that influences those around him, making them more compliant. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Carlson spoke with journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro about Trump's leadership style and political influence, particularly during major policy decisions such as the lead-up to U.S. military action against Iran.
Carlson's Claims of a Hypnotic Quality
Carlson asserted that people in Trump's circle often find themselves aligning with the president's decisions due to a powerful, almost hypnotic quality. He stated, "And I think it probably literally is a spell. And the effect is to weaken people around him and make them more compliant and more confused. And I've experienced this myself. You spend a day with Trump and you're in this kind of dreamland. It's like smoking hash or something. It's interesting, very interesting."
Supernatural Explanation Suggested
While acknowledging uncertainty about the cause, Carlson suggested a mystical explanation for the effect. He said, "There be a supernatural component to it. I'm not a theologian, but it's real, and anyone who's been around him can tell you it's true." Carlson also criticized aspects of Trump's foreign policy, arguing that there was limited internal resistance within Trump's MAGA circle ahead of major decisions.
Deteriorating Relationship Between Carlson and Trump
Carlson, once a prominent conservative figure in GOP circles, has seen his relationship with Trump deteriorate in 2025-26 over disagreements on foreign policy. Carlson criticized the president, calling him "kooky." Trump responded with insults on Truth Social, labeling Carlson and his allies as "low IQ" and distancing himself from them.
Carlson's remarks highlight the unique influence Trump wields over his associates, a phenomenon that continues to spark debate among political observers.
