In a recent interview, Tucker Carlson detailed his decision to break with President Donald Trump over concerns about the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. He claimed that Trump was “held hostage” by Israeli pressure and expressed regret for supporting the president’s policies.
Carlson stated that he repeatedly urged Trump not to order an attack on Iran but the president proceeded anyway. He noted that Trump had known about the disastrous outcomes of the Iraq War, which was a key reason for his 2016 support.
“I was baffled,” Carlson said in reference to developments leading up to the attack. “I thought it would be terrible for the United States, worse than I imagined.”
The podcaster explained that Trump showed little enthusiasm for the action and had no plans to ensure peace or prosperity afterward. He added that Trump felt he had no choice but the decision was made despite his skepticism.
Carlson also criticized influential figures including Fox News tycoon Rupert Murdoch, moneybags widow Miriam Adelson, and commentators Mark Levin and Sean Hannity for pressuring Trump to attack Iran.
When asked about labeling Trump a “slave” to Israel, Carlson said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters in the United States hold Trump “hostage.” He pointed out that after Trump announced a ceasefire, Israel began killing civilians in Lebanon—a move he described as an effort to end negotiations and destroy Iran.
On moral issues, Carlson denied suggesting Trump was the Antichrist but acknowledged the repugnant nature of killing innocent people without just cause. He stated such actions are “repugnant” under Christian and Islamic principles.
Carlson also criticized U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as more morally repulsive than Nick Fuentes, noting that Cruz has called for the killing of people who did no wrong while Fuentes is a young podcaster with little political power.
Finally, Carlson expressed regret for supporting Trump’s campaign rhetoric and admitted he had been “wrong” in his assessments. He emphasized Washington’s cyclical pattern of poor decisions without accountability.
