Tucker Carlson has called Donald Trump a “slave” who “can’t make his own decisions,” in the latest escalation of the feud between the two former allies.
“I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves,” Carlson told Newsmax Friday. “He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”
His remarks came shortly after Trump posted a lengthy Truth Social rant, which took aim at several MAGA acolytes who have split from the president in recent months over the ongoing conflict in Iran.
In the post, Trump described Carlson, as well as other right-wing commentators Megyn Kelly and Candace Owens, as well as conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, as all having “Low IQs.”
“They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too! Look at their past, look at their record. They don’t have what it takes, and they never did!” he fumed.
“They’ve all been thrown off Television, lost their Shows, and aren’t even invited on TV because nobody cares about them, they’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some “free” and cheap publicity.”
Both Carlson and Trump have recently ramped up their rhetoric and actions against one another.
In response to Thursday’s social media tirade from the president, Carlson has launched a new line of merchandise, including baseball caps bearing the phrase “LOW IQ,” in reference to the insults.
“Calling all nut jobs, troublemakers, and third rate podcasters! New merch just dropped,” The Tucker Carlson Network posted Friday, advertising the new apparel.
Such hostilities are a far cry from the 2024 campaign trail, during which Carlson was a frequent and fervent supporter of the president. At the Republican National Convention, Carlson famously declared that Mr. Trump had transcended his role as a nominee to become “the leader of a nation.”
But the relationship has long been volatile behind the scenes. During the Dominion Voting Systems defamation trial, internal messages revealed Carlson, then a Fox News host, had described Trump as a “destroyer” and “evil,” stating at one point, “I hate him passionately.”
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment on Carlson’s latest remarks.
