Trump Labels Carlson 'Kooky' Amid Deepening Iran Policy Rift

Political commentator Tucker Carlson has emerged as a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump's foreign policy and judgment, particularly regarding the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. This public divergence has sparked a notable schism within the "America First" movement.

"Tucker has emerged as the loudest critic of Trump’s policies and judgment," tweeted Max Abrahms, highlighting the intensified dispute that began in June 2025 following Carlson's strong condemnation of perceived U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

Carlson, known for his isolationist stance, publicly accused Trump of being "complicit in the act of war" following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. On Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast, Carlson expressed fear that continued involvement would lead to "the end of American empire" and warned it could "end Trump’s presidency." He also criticized former Fox News colleagues, labeling them "warmongers" for advocating U.S. military engagement.

Donald Trump quickly retaliated against Carlson's remarks, dismissing his criticisms and questioning his relevance since leaving Fox News. At the G7 summit in Canada, Trump stated, "I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen." He later took to Truth Social, writing, "Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"

The public spat has exposed a significant divide among Trump's loyalists and the broader MAGA base. While figures like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon have voiced support for Carlson's anti-interventionist stance, others, including Fox News personalities Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, have aligned with a more hawkish approach. This internal conflict underscores differing interpretations of the "America First" doctrine regarding foreign military engagement.

Despite the initial public animosity, reports emerged that Carlson later apologized to Trump for his strong remarks. Trump confirmed this, stating, "Tucker’s a nice guy, he called and apologized the other day because he thought he said things that were a little bit too strong, and I appreciated that." The two reportedly discussed Iran's nuclear ambitions during the call, suggesting a potential de-escalation of their public dispute.