Tucker Carlson did not hold back on his recent podcast when discussing his former employer, Fox News. In a scathing commentary, he accused the network of using alarmist tactics to manipulate its audience’s emotions and promote a pro-war agenda. Carlson’s remarks come in the wake of America’s brief military involvement in the Israel-Iran War, a move he opposed.
Carlson directly criticized the Murdoch family, claiming they harbor a deep disdain for President Donald Trump. “The Murdochs really hate Trump,” he asserted, revealing that they even approached him to run against the former president. He recalled, “I got fired in April of 2023. In May of 2023, they asked me to run for president against Trump and said they would back me.” This insight paints a picture of internal discord at Fox, suggesting that the network’s leadership prioritizes their own agendas over their audience’s interests.
The former Fox host went on to address the network’s role in promoting war, particularly with respect to Iran. He characterized Fox News as a purveyor of fear, aiming to provoke anxiety in its older viewers. Carlson claimed, “They’re doing the thing they always do. Turning up the propaganda hose to full blast,” insinuating that the network exploits its influence to rally viewers towards unnecessary military conflicts.
In a discussion with Steve Bannon, a known critic of the Murdochs, Carlson elaborated on how Fox’s pro-war narrative affects its target demographic. He angrily stated that the network seeks to “scare old people” into siding with the military establishment. Carlson’s comments reflect a deep concern among certain conservative circles about media manipulation and the promotion of conflict at the public’s expense.
In the aftermath of Carlson’s remarks, responses from insiders suggest a complicated relationship between Trump and Fox News. One insider noted, “Trump recognizes the following Tucker has but he also knows he needs Fox.” This acknowledgment hints at the delicate balance Trump must maintain as he navigates the political landscape, particularly when it comes to media narratives.
The tension between Carlson and some factions within the conservative media highlights a significant divide. While Carlson pushes for a more isolationist approach, the network continues to lean toward interventionism. Another insider commented that Carlson and Trump are now aligned after past disagreements over the U.S. approach to Iran, stating, “DJT and Tucker are good. And this thing getting wrapped up so quickly basically stopped a major civil war on the right.” This indicates a potential shift, as the need for unity among conservative influencers becomes increasingly pressing with the shifting political climate.
As Carlson continues to critique Fox News and its overall strategy, his comments raise important questions about the responsibilities of media outlets. Are they serving their audience or promoting their own agendas? The ongoing feud exemplifies a broader struggle in the conservative media environment, revealing underlying tensions and the ever-present influence of celebrity personalities on public opinion.
"*" indicates required fields
