Key facts
- Tucker Carlson stated his intention to help build a new political party in the US.
- He believes the current US political system is a "one-party state" due to bipartisan agreement on war and finance.
- Carlson expressed a desire for less immigration, citing job displacement from AI.
- He has previously indicated he would not support either major party in the upcoming midterm elections.
- Carlson denied having political aspirations to run for office himself.
Tucker Carlson, a prominent rightwing broadcaster, has indicated his intention to help establish a new political party in the United States. In an interview with the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), Carlson articulated his frustration with the current two-party system, which he described as a "one-party state posing as a democracy" due to perceived alignment on issues of war and finance. He suggested that these parties do not adequately represent the interests of ordinary Americans, citing declining life expectancy and diminished prospects for those earning around $60,000 annually.
Carlson explicitly stated that his focus would be on building this new party, rather than seeking office himself, saying, "I don’t want to be a candidate." He also voiced strong opinions on immigration, advocating for an end to all immigration, particularly in light of job losses attributed to artificial intelligence. His remarks come after a period of public criticism of Donald Trump, with Carlson expressing regret for past support and stating he would not back either major party in the upcoming midterm elections.
Despite his strong pronouncements, Carlson offered scant detail on the concrete plans for this potential third party, leaving it unclear whether it is an active project or merely a musing. This contrasts with a previous interview where he stated he would not be involved in building such a party. Carlson also touched on foreign policy, suggesting that pro-Israel donors influenced Trump's approach to Iran, and asserted that the US government should prioritize its own citizens' welfare. He acknowledged attempting to dissuade Trump from military intervention in Iran, noting their relationship has since deteriorated.