Tucker Carlson, once a leading voice on Fox News, delivered a scathing critique of his former employer during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast.
Carlson accused the network of acting as a “propaganda hose” designed to manipulate its predominantly older audience into supporting U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts, specifically the escalating Israel-Iran tensions.
His remarks highlight a growing rift within conservative circles, as he also criticized prominent Fox News personalities and questioned the network’s influence on public opinion.
Carlson’s primary grievance centers on Fox News’ coverage of the Israel-Iran conflict, which he claims promotes military intervention by amplifying voices like that of Mark Levin, a vocal advocate for U.S. support of Israel.
He argued that the network strategically features commentators to sway its viewers, many of whom are elderly, into endorsing policies that align with pro-war agendas.
Carlson specifically mocked Levin’s on-air presence, likening it to “listening to your ex-wife scream about alimony payments,” and suggested that Levin’s airtime is part of a deliberate effort to push for regime change in Iran.
This critique extends to other Fox News figures, including Sean Hannity, whom Carlson implied exerts undue influence over the network’s direction.
The former host’s comments reflect his broader concern about U.S. foreign policy and its media portrayal. Carlson has publicly urged restraint in the Middle East, warning that escalation could have catastrophic consequences, including the potential derailment of domestic priorities like immigration reform.
His appearance on Bannon’s podcast was not an isolated incident; earlier, on June 13, he posted on social media, naming Fox News personalities and owner Rupert Murdoch as “warmongers” pushing for U.S. military action against Iran.
This stance has put him at odds with former allies, including President Donald Trump, who dismissed Carlson’s critiques during a G7 summit, suggesting he “go get a television network” to amplify his voice.
Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2023, following a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, marked a turning point in his relationship with the network.
Since then, he has built a substantial following through independent platforms, including his podcast and YouTube program. His recent criticisms underscore a shift toward challenging the conservative media establishment, accusing it of betraying the “America First” principles he associates with Trump’s 2024 campaign promises.
This has sparked a broader debate within the MAGA movement, with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene echoing Carlson’s call for non-intervention.
The controversy reveals a deeper tension: the role of the media in shaping public perception of complex geopolitical issues. Carlson’s accusations suggest that Fox News prioritizes narrative over nuance, leveraging its platform to influence a demographic he describes as vulnerable.
While his rhetoric resonates with those skeptical of U.S. military overreach, it has drawn ire from former colleagues who defend their coverage as principled support for national security.
As the Israel-Iran conflict unfolds, Carlson’s outspoken dissent continues to challenge the conservative media landscape, raising questions about loyalty, influence, and the power of broadcast narratives.
