Tucker Carlson admits misleading viewers about Trump, says he is «tormented by it»

Former Fox News prime-time host Tucker Carlson, once one of Donald Trump's most influential media allies, is now publicly breaking with the president in a reversal that has shaken parts of the conservative media landscape. Carlson, who spent years amplifying Trump's political messaging and casting doubt on the 2020 election during his nightly broadcasts, said in a recent podcast that he now regrets his role in shaping public opinion. Speaking in a personal conversation, he acknowledged that his past influence had consequences that continue to weigh on him, describing a sense of responsibility for what followed and admitting his actions would stay with him long-term.

The shift comes after growing tensions between Carlson and Trump, particularly following Trump's decisions regarding the war with Iran, which Carlson openly criticized. During his podcast, Carlson described those actions as «vile on every level», marking one of his strongest public condemnations of Trump's leadership. The remarks signaled a clear break from years of alignment, during which Carlson had been seen as a key figure in promoting Trump's worldview to a large television audience. The criticism also placed him at odds with other figures within the MAGA movement who have continued to support the president's foreign policy decisions.

Trump responded forcefully to Carlson's comments in a post on Truth Social, targeting not only Carlson but several former allies who have distanced themselves from him in recent months. «Hand Flailing Fools like Tucker Carlson, who couldn't even finish College, he was a broken man when he got fired from Fox, and he's never been the same — Perhaps he should see a good psychiatrist!» Trump wrote, grouping Carlson with other conservative personalities including Alex Jones, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens and Marjorie Taylor Greene. The response reflected an escalating pattern in which Trump has publicly attacked former supporters who challenge his decisions or messaging.

Carlson's most direct admission came during a podcast conversation with his brother, where he addressed his past role in supporting Trump and influencing voters. «You know, we'll be tormented by it for a long time. I will be.» he said. He followed with a rare apology directed at his audience, stating, «And I want to say I'm sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional, that's all I'll say.» The comments marked a significant departure from Carlson's previous tone, as he acknowledged both the scale of his platform and the potential impact of his messaging during key political moments.

He went further by placing himself among those responsible for Trump's continued political power, framing it as a collective outcome rather than an isolated mistake. «In very small ways, but in real ways, you and me and millions of people like us are the reason this is happening right now.» Carlson said. «We're implicated in this for sure.» he added, speaking directly to his brother. Carlson also referenced his direct involvement in Trump's rise, saying, «You and I and everyone else who supported him – you wrote speeches for him, I campaigned for him.» The remarks pointed to a deeper reflection on the role of media figures and political allies in shaping electoral outcomes.

Carlson concluded his remarks by making clear that his position had fundamentally changed, drawing a line between his past support and his current stance. «Well, I changed my mind. Oh, this is bad.» he said, before adding a definitive break: «I'm out,» The statement underscored a broader shift in his public posture, as he moves away from Trump after years of close alignment. The fallout between the two men, once central figures in the same political ecosystem, now highlights growing fractures within conservative media and the broader MAGA movement as debates over foreign policy, leadership and responsibility continue to unfold.

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