Tucker Carlson, the prominent conservative commentator, has announced a formal break from the Republican Party, declaring that he is "out" and accusing the party of being "not loyal to the United States." The announcement, made on the June 23 episode of his podcast 'Can't be censored,' reignites a feud with former ally President Donald Trump.
Carlson's Break with the GOP
Carlson stated that he would no longer support the Republican Party, clarifying that his decision does not mean he endorses the Democratic Party. "The poll numbers now tell a pretty clear story about it. I would not support the Republican Party, there's no chance. Not because I support the Democratic Party. I don't know what I'm going to do," he said, adding, "How can I or any American support a political party that's not loyal to the United States?"
Reflecting on his long history with the GOP, Carlson noted he has been a "consistent defender for 35 years" but now finds the party indefensible. "It's not possible to vote for people like that, and I'm not going to," he said. "I voted Republican my entire life, I worked at Fox News. I've been a consistent defender for 35 years of the Republican Party, but there's no defending this because it's immoral."
Feud with Donald Trump Reignited
The rupture follows Carlson's earlier break with Trump over the U.S. military operation against Iran and its proxies earlier this year. Carlson accused the Trump administration of launching the conflict under Israel's influence and repeatedly criticized the president. The once-robust alliance between the two fractured in April, giving way to a public and increasingly personal feud.
Carlson expressed profound remorse for his past support of Trump, confessing on his podcast to feeling "tormented" by his role in the president's political ascent. In a candid discussion with his brother Buckley Carlson, he apologized for misleading people, saying, "I do think it's like a moment to wrestle with our own consciences. You know, we'll be tormented by it for a long time. I will be, and I want to say I'm sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional."
Carlson acknowledged that signs of Trump's "low character" were evident but overlooked by supporters. "The question does present itself immediately, like, what is this? Was this always the plan? You don't want to be a conspiracy nut, but, like, clearly, there are signs of low character. We knew that. But it didn't... there are tons of people of low character who outperform their character," he said.
Trump's Response
President Trump responded with a series of blunt attacks on Truth Social, calling Carlson a "flailing fool" who "couldn't even finish college" and was a "broken man when he got fired from Fox." Trump added, "Perhaps he should see a good psychiatrist!" In a subsequent post, Trump disparaged Carlson's intellect, writing, "Tucker is a low IQ person. Always easy to beat, and highly overrated."
Carlson's Future Political Stance
Carlson firmly stated he will not back or vote for Republican candidates in future elections. "So no, I'm out," he said. "And if I'm out, then I think a lot of other people are out, too." While avoiding direct name-calling, Carlson has voiced strong disapproval of current geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding Iran, and has privately urged Trump against escalating regional tensions, according to The Hill.
