Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson stated that President Donald Trump views California Governor Gavin Newsom as a significant potential threat in the 2028 presidential election. Carlson, a former host at Fox News, shared this assessment during an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
"I know Trump is very convinced that Gavin has a shot," Carlson said, adding that he believed Newsom possesses a specific, though he framed it negatively, advantage. Carlson characterized Newsom as "a sociopath who will say anything while passing a lie detector test."
Carlson's remarks come shortly after he announced his departure from the Republican Party. He had previously been a vocal supporter of Trump, campaigning for him and speaking at the Republican National Convention in 2024. However, Carlson has since publicly criticized Trump on several key issues, including the conflict with Iran, and has apologized to voters for what he described as "misleading" them with his endorsement. Trump has, in turn, referred to Carlson as "a low-IQ person."
When asked by Jones if he would consider running for president in 2028 himself, Carlson indicated he did not intend to run but wished to be "involved in offering an option of some kind," though he did not specify what that involvement might entail.