In a candid video released Monday, Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, openly expressed his remorse for his past support of President Donald Trump, stating he would "be tormented by it for a long time." His admission of having "misled" people marks a significant shift in his public stance.
During an episode of "The Tucker Carlson Show," he emphasized the need for self-reflection among supporters, saying, "It’s a moment to wrestle with our own consciences." Carlson acknowledged that he and others are "implicated in this for sure," referring to their roles in supporting Trump.
"It’s not enough to say, 'Well, I changed my mind,'" he continued, while interviewing his brother Buckley Carlson. "In very small ways, but in real ways, you and me and millions of people like us are part of the reason this is happening right now."
His remarks come as divisions grow within conservative circles regarding Trump's management of the ongoing conflict in Iran. The president is currently facing the lowest approval ratings of his second term, with many Americans expressing strong disapproval of his handling of inflation and living costs—issues that resonate deeply with voters.
The White House responded to Carlson's comments by referencing a post from Trump on Truth Social, where he labeled Carlson and other former allies-turned-critics as having "Low IQs." Trump asserted, "They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!"
Following Carlson's critique of Trump's approach to Iran earlier this month, Trump remarked to the New York Post that he considered Carlson “a low-IQ person" who lacks understanding of current events.
Carlson is not alone in his disillusionment; other prominent figures who once supported Trump have also distanced themselves. Right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have suggested invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Additionally, Carrie Prejean Boller labeled Trump an "evil psychopath" on Instagram, while far-right influencer Candace Owens described the Trump administration as "satanic."
Criticism of Trump's handling of Iran has also emerged from influential voices in the "manosphere." Joe Rogan noted that some Trump supporters feel "betrayed" by the war, while Theo Von questioned its benefits for ordinary Americans. Even prior to the conflict, podcasters had voiced concerns over Trump's policies regarding immigration and U.S.-Israeli relations.
Once a staunch advocate for Trump, Carlson has increasingly scrutinized the president's actions during his second term, particularly regarding Iran. He previously urged military aides to reject plans that could harm Iranian civilians and condemned a recent post from Trump demanding Iran to "open the F----- Strait." Carlson described that statement as "vile" on multiple levels.
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In a personal note, Carlson's son, also named Buckley Carlson, recently left his position in Vice President JD Vance's press office to launch his own firm.
Carlson departed from Fox News in 2023 shortly after the network settled a $787.5 million defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems.
