Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News anchor, has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, questioning the effectiveness of his threats and calling them "empty." Carlson made these remarks on the Jack Neel Podcast, accusing Trump of projecting an image of strength through repeated statements on social media that he believes do not reflect genuine power.
"He tried to posture his way out of it," Carlson said of Trump's response after initial actions did not lead to Iran's surrender. Carlson asserted that Trump's frequent posts on Truth Social, rather than demonstrating strength, have led to the conclusion that "this guy's not strong, he's weak."
Carlson elaborated on this point, stating, "Strong people don't brag about how strong they are. They just punch you in the face and end the conversation." He compared Trump to a boxer whose threats are inconsequential.
During the podcast, Carlson directed a vulgar insult at Trump, telling him to "shut up, b****." He clarified that while his language might seem harsh, he does not take Trump's threats seriously. Carlson also expressed that his criticism stems from a place of concern for the country, stating, "I just grieve for what his decisions in the Middle East have done to the country."
Despite his strong criticism of Trump's foreign policy, Carlson stated he still likes Trump as a person, describing himself as a "shallow man" who enjoys "vulgar jokes" and is "easily entertained." He noted that he has historically supported Trump, having spoken at a rally for his potential White House return in 2024. However, Carlson indicated a shift in his stance in recent months.
Carlson has previously voiced strong criticisms of Trump on his independent podcast, the Tucker Carlson Show. In an April clip, he questioned if Trump might be the Antichrist, referencing biblical language to describe a leader who he felt was "mocking the gods of his ancestors" and "exalting himself above them."
In another instance, Carlson issued what he described as an apology to his listeners for having previously supported Trump, stating on his podcast, "I will say I'm sorry for misleading people and it was not intentional. That's all I'll say."
These public criticisms have occurred amid broader discussions within right-wing circles. Trump himself has responded to Carlson and other critics, including Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, in a Truth Social post where he characterized them as having "Low IQs."
Reports from within conservative media suggest a more complex dynamic. Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, commented that Carlson's statements reflect a "bet that didn't pay off" rather than genuine regret. This sentiment echoes private messages from 2021, reportedly from Carlson to a Fox News colleague, in which he stated he "hated" Trump and saw "no upside" to him.