Tucker Carlson says he’s starting a third party after break with Trump

Tucker Carlson says he's starting a third party after break with Trump

Tucker Carlson says he s starting - WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 – Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has announced plans to support the creation of a new political movement, citing his growing disillusionment with the Republican Party and its alignment with President Donald Trump on key foreign policy issues, including the U.S. conflict with Iran.

Carlson, who left Fox News to launch a weekly political podcast, stated in an interview with the Columbia Journalism Review on July 1 that both major parties have demonstrated a consistent partnership in shaping American foreign policy. He argued that the Democratic and Republican factions have become so synchronized in their approach to international affairs that they no longer prioritize the needs of American citizens over geopolitical interests.

“The current system is failing us,” Carlson remarked. “We need an alternative voice that’s not bound by the same ideological constraints. I’m committed to building this third option because it’s essential for the country’s future.”

Carlson, once a close confidant of Trump, has shifted his stance on several issues, including the war in Iran. He expressed concern that the U.S. government’s focus on military campaigns has overshadowed domestic priorities. “If you earn sixty thousand dollars annually, your quality of life diminishes,” he noted. “Your lifespan shortens, and the prospects for your children’s stability vanish. No one seems to prioritize this, not even when questioning the role of groups like Hamas.”

Carlson’s criticism extends to the Trump administration’s handling of the Middle East. He stated, “I’ve officially abandoned concern for Hamas. The U.S. should first ensure the well-being of its own people before engaging in wars abroad.” This sentiment reflects his broader argument that the war in Iran, which began with airstrikes in February, has not yielded the desired outcomes of a democratic government in Tehran but instead deepened the region’s instability.

Despite his break with Trump, Carlson’s decision to pursue a third-party initiative underscores his continued influence within conservative circles. His departure from Fox News, which occurred in early 2025, has not diminished his voice, as he remains a prominent figure in right-wing discourse. However, his latest move signals a more deliberate effort to reshape the political landscape beyond the existing parties.

“I’ve warned Trump before about the consequences of his policies,” Carlson recalled in the interview. “You won’t see a democratic, pro-Western regime in Iran. What you’ll see is a prolonged conflict that harms both the region and our national interests.”

This warning came during a series of pre-war meetings in January 2026, where Carlson and Trump discussed the potential escalation of tensions with Iran. At the time, Trump had pledged on the 2024 campaign trail to avoid “endless wars,” but Carlson claims the administration has since abandoned that promise. Their last conversation, he said, took place weeks before the conflict intensified, highlighting a growing divide between the two men.

Trump, in response, has frequently criticized Carlson and other media figures who opposed his Iran strategy. In a Truth Social post on April 1, the president labeled them “losers,” accusing them of undermining his leadership. He further mocked Carlson for his educational background, stating, “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon!” This remark followed a June 16 post where Trump emphasized the urgency of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Carlson’s new political effort also draws attention to the broader trend of Republican figures seeking independence from Trump. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has joined the conversation, stating she is exploring the possibility of forming a third-party organization that would focus on “America’s core values” rather than the traditional partisan divide. Her comments align with Carlson’s critique of the Republican Party’s alignment with Trump’s foreign policy, suggesting a possible coalition of disillusioned conservatives.

Launching a viable third party presents significant challenges, according to political analysts. From securing ballot access to building a sustainable financial model, the process requires strategic coordination and public support. Carlson acknowledged these hurdles, noting that while the idea of a third party is often discussed, it has yet to gain substantial traction. “We’re not just talking about a symbolic gesture,” he said. “This party needs real momentum, strong leadership, and a clear platform to compete effectively.”

Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual, had previously outlined a similar vision. In 2025, the tech mogul vowed to create the “American Party” after his rift with Trump over the Iran conflict. However, the relationship between Musk and Trump later improved, and the entrepreneur never finalized his plans. This sets a precedent for Carlson’s effort, as he aims to translate his influence into a tangible political force.

Carlson’s focus on domestic concerns has also drawn attention to the economic disparities he believes are being ignored by both parties. He emphasized that the average American worker earning $60,000 annually is facing increasing hardships, with reduced life expectancy and limited opportunities for future generations. “The welfare of the people is the first priority,” he argued. “If we don’t address this, our political system is failing its foundation.”

The war in Iran, which has persisted even after Trump’s June announcement of a peace deal, has become a central point of contention. While the president sought to pivot toward diplomacy, Carlson remained skeptical, citing the lack of progress and the ongoing hostilities. His criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign, which began after the Hamas attack in October 2023, further illustrates his broader frustration with military interventions that prioritize regional alliances over American interests.

As the political landscape evolves, Carlson’s move highlights the growing interest in alternative platforms among conservative leaders. Whether this effort will gain widespread support or remain a niche endeavor remains to be seen. For now, his focus is on building a movement that he believes can challenge the status quo and offer a new direction for the country’s political future.