Tucker Carlson Plans New US Political Party Citing Israel's Influence as Harmful

Tucker Carlson, the right-wing American commentator and podcaster, announced his intention to establish a new political party focused solely on American citizens. Speaking in an interview with Columbia University's journalism school magazine, Carlson criticized both the Republican and Democratic parties for aligning on issues of war and finance, describing the US as a one-party state masquerading as a democracy. He said the new party would prioritize the welfare of Americans amid declining life expectancy and a bleak future for children.

Carlson explicitly dismissed concerns about Hamas, stating the US government should prioritize its own citizens over foreign conflicts. Despite launching this political initiative, he ruled out running against former President Donald Trump, whom he knows personally and communicates with occasionally. However, tensions between Carlson and Trump have risen over the Iran war, which Carlson claims was instigated by Israeli pressure. He accused the Trump administration of betraying the US by engaging in a war aimed at regime change in Iran, driven by Israeli interests.

Carlson expressed strong criticism of Israel’s role in American politics, accusing it of attempting to hijack the MAGA movement and describing Israel as a resource-poor country indifferent to American interests unless it interferes politically. He also accused Israel of apartheid and restricting visas based on political views. Carlson emphasized he is not antisemitic, stating he loves Jerusalem but opposes Israel’s influence over US policy. He recounted avoiding criticism of Israel in the past due to fears of being labeled antisemitic but now feels compelled to speak out.

The former Fox News host was fired in 2023 amid a defamation lawsuit linked to false claims about the 2020 election. Since then, he has become a prominent podcaster with a more extreme nationalist stance and has propagated conspiracy theories about Israel and the Mossad. Carlson also recently suggested DNA testing for all Israelis to determine "descendants of Abraham" and labeled Israel the "most violent country in the world" and a "police state" with pervasive phone surveillance.

Trump responded to Carlson’s earlier criticisms by calling him a "broken man" and suggested he seek psychiatric help. Carlson confirmed he has not spoken to Trump since the Iran conflict began and is not interested in resuming contact.