President Donald Trump has thrown Tucker Carlson out of club MAGA after the conservative podcaster criticized the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. Tucker Carlson called Trump's decision to attack Iran 'absolutely disgusting and evil' in a statement to ABC News' Jonathan Karl when the strikes began over the weekend. Trump lashed out at Tucker Carlson, telling Jonathan Karl Thursday, 'Tucker has lost his way. I knew that a long time ago, and he's not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America First, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that.'
Carlson has detailed his criticism of the conflict and the U.S.-Israel relationship in recent days. Tucker Carlson said on his podcast Monday, 'This is Israel's war. This is not the United States' war. This war's not being waged on behalf of American national security objectives — to make the United States safer or richer. This war isn't even about weapons of mass destruction, nukes.' Tucker Carlson called for the U.S. to 'detach' from Israel, advocating for an end to all military and economic aid, stating that continued support is contrary to core American interests. Tucker Carlson, a long-standing critic of Israel, argued that the U.S. should treat Israel with the same restrictions and reservations applied to other allies, rather than as an enemy.
This is Israel's war. This is not the United States' war. This war's not being waged on behalf of American national security objectives — to make the United States safer or richer. This war isn't even about weapons of mass destruction, nukes.
Trump has justified the strikes by claiming that Iran was rebuilding its nuclear program and was planning to attack U.S. forces before the strikes. The goal of Operation Epic Fury is to 'eliminate Iran's ability to threaten Americans,' according to Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the U.S. Central Command.
Following the president's comments, Tucker Carlson told Status's Oliver Darcy, 'There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included. But I'll always love him no matter what he says about me.' Tucker Carlson accused the host of calling him an anti-semite in a 'passive aggressive way' during a BBC interview. Tucker Carlson said during the BBC interview, 'I am responding to your slur and saying that it is untrue. I'm not an anti-semite. I don't hate Israel. The Israeli government, this is documented and I saw it personally, steered the United States into a war that hurts the United States and the world. I am offended by that.'
There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included. But I'll always love him no matter what he says about me.
Trump allies have rallied to defend the president and attack Carlson. Right-wing activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer came to the president's defense and bashed Tucker Carlson Thursday, writing on X, 'Tucker is actively running interference for the Iranian regime and he's deliberately trying to fracture the America First MAGA base from within. Tucker is a massive liability to the President, and his sick betrayal of our country must be completely EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED!' White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has defined 'America First' as America being the 'greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world.'
Carlson's BBC appearance, where Victoria Derbyshire stood in as host on the Laura Kuenssberg show, has brought his views further into the spotlight. Despite previous accusations of antisemitism, which he denies, Tucker Carlson has intensified his criticisms of Israel since his departure from Fox News in 2023.
Tucker is actively running interference for the Iranian regime and he's deliberately trying to fracture the America First MAGA base from within. Tucker is a massive liability to the President, and his sick betrayal of our country must be completely EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED!
The political fallout unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing conflict. A fragile ceasefire agreement in the Iran war was immediately threatened by Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in 203 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. A disagreement emerged regarding the ceasefire's scope, with Iran and Pakistan asserting Lebanon's inclusion, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the White House maintained it was not part of the deal.
Key unknowns persist in this escalating feud. Beyond the ceasefire situation, it is unclear how other key political figures or groups within the U.S. are responding to Carlson's calls to detach from Israel and end aid. The official response from Carlson's representatives to Trump's comments and his expulsion from 'club MAGA' has not been reported. These developments highlight the volatile intersection of media, politics, and foreign policy as the conflict continues.
The president has made clear that he believes America’s awesome military might should be used to protect and defend America’s interests. 'America First' means America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world, and it means we will defend American lives.
I am responding to your slur and saying that it is untrue. I'm not an anti-semite. I don't hate Israel. The Israeli government, this is documented and I saw it personally, steered the United States into a war that hurts the United States and the world. I am offended by that.