How one of Trump's biggest defenders became an outspoken critic
4/24/20268 min
Tucker Carlson was one of President Trump’s biggest defenders. Now, he's one of his loudest critics.
Tucker Carlson now says he is “tormented” by his previous support for President Trump.
The conservative media personality has criticized the president over the U.S. war with Iran, among other issues.
New Yorker writer Jason Zengerle has followed Tucker Carlson for years. He’s the author of a book about Carlson, “Hated by All the Right People."
Zengerle says that while from time to time Carlson’s support for Trump has wavered, this time is different.
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This episode was produced by Kai McNamee and Karen Zamora.
It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Courtney Dorning.
Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsTucker Carlson· Soundbite0:00
I never thought that I would be speaking at a rally for Donald Trump. This is the fourth time I've done it.
Scott Detrow· Host0:05
That is former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in October twenty twenty-four, just days before the election that gave President Trump a second term.
Tucker Carlson· Soundbite0:14
Um, and it has felt not only like an honor and a privilege every time, but now it's felt, uh, really necessary.
Scott Detrow· Host0:18
When Trump first ran in twenty sixteen, Carlson emerged as one of his most reliable and aggressive defenders, championing the president and pulling the Republican base deeper into the MAGA orbit. Carlson continued to publicly support Trump throughout the first term and often campaigned with him in twenty twenty-four. But then Trump pulled the United States into war with Iran.
Tucker Carlson· Soundbite0:40
I love Trump. I, I, I campaigned for Trump.
Scott Detrow· Host0:42
That's Carlson speaking with India Today in February of this year.
Tucker Carlson· Soundbite0:45
I don't agree with this administration's Israel policy. I think it's terrible for the United States. It's terrible for the world, but it doesn't mean I don't love Trump. I do.
Scott Detrow· Host0:53
As the war with Iran continued, that love Carlson spoke about, it's now in question. Here he is this week on his podcast.
Tucker Carlson· Soundbite1:01
It's not enough to say, "Well, I changed my mind," or like, "Oh, this is bad. I'm out."
Scott Detrow· Host1:06
Carlson went on.
Tucker Carlson· Soundbite1:07
We'll be tormented by it for a long time. I will be. And, and I wanna say I'm sorry for misleading people and, and it was not intentional. That's all I'll say.
Scott Detrow· Host1:16
Consider this: One of President Trump's biggest defenders has now become one of his loudest critics. [gentle music] From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow.