The future of “America First” foreign policy is in doubt as President Trump and Tucker Carlson are embroiled in a contentious public dispute over America’s involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump told Carlson to “go get a television network” if he wanted to be heard after dismissing his criticism of his backing for Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Carlson said that Trump was “complicit” in Israel’s actions and warned that it could result in “all-out war” and betray the values of America First.
Trump Dismisses Carlson’s Foreign Policy Critique
President Donald Trump has firmly rejected Tucker Carlson’s criticism of his position on Israel’s recent bombing of Iran, dismissing the former Fox News host as irrelevant. The public dispute erupted after Carlson published a newsletter titled “This Could Be the Final Newsletter Before All-Out War,” in which he argued that U.S. funding and weapons support to Israel implicated America in the attacks. Trump responded bluntly on social media, questioning Carlson’s current influence after his departure from mainstream television.
“I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen,” Trump stated, according to multiple sources. The president further escalated his response by calling Carlson “kooky” on Truth Social while emphatically declaring that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” The exchange highlights growing tensions between Trump and a prominent voice who has historically supported him but now questions his foreign policy approach.
Trump just roasted Tucker Carlson:
“I don't know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen.” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/CtozYjwzy3
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) June 16, 2025
Carlson’s America First Concerns
At the heart of Carlson’s criticism is the accusation that Trump has abandoned his America First doctrine by supporting Israel’s military actions against Iran. Despite being fired from Fox News in August 2023 following a defamation lawsuit settlement, Carlson maintains significant influence through his podcast and social media presence. His YouTube channel boasts over 4 million subscribers, while his podcast averages 250,000 listens per episode on Spotify, allowing him to continue reaching conservative audiences with his foreign policy perspectives.
“While the American military may not have physically perpetrated the assault, years of funding and sending weapons to Israel, which Donald Trump just bragged about on Truth Social, undeniably place the U.S. at the center of last night’s events,” Carlson added.
Carlson’s position has resonated with some segments of Trump’s base who expected the president to reduce American military involvement abroad. The commentator has particularly emphasized his belief that globalist elites and neoconservatives are pushing the United States toward unnecessary conflict with Iran. While expressing his personal admiration for Trump, Carlson has voiced deep concerns about the potential consequences of current foreign policy decisions.
TRUMP: “I don't know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it, so that people listen.” pic.twitter.com/0kGMc5jXIK
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) June 16, 2025
Divergent Views on America’s Role
The public disagreement between Trump and Carlson reflects a broader debate within conservative circles about America’s proper role on the world stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the recent attacks by claiming Iran was near completion of a nuclear weapon, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. was not directly involved in Israel’s military strikes, though American forces helped intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel. These explanations have not satisfied critics like Carlson, who question the extent of U.S. involvement.
The disagreement has revealed a significant divide within MAGA supporters regarding international engagement. Some advocate for complete non-intervention, while others believe in strategic support for allies like Israel. Trump has attempted to navigate this divide by stating the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s military strikes while also expressing belief in a forthcoming nuclear deal with Iran. The president continues to emphasize that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a priority for his administration.
Implications for Trump’s Foreign Policy Vision
The public clash between Trump and Carlson underscores the challenges facing the president as he balances his America First principles with traditional Republican support for Israel. Carlson’s criticism focuses on what he perceives as Trump’s failure to fulfill campaign promises to end U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. The commentator has defended his stance against U.S. support for Israel’s actions while denying accusations of anti-Semitism that sometimes accompany such positions.
This high-profile disagreement raises questions about how Trump’s foreign policy approach might evolve. While maintaining his support for Israel, Trump has simultaneously suggested a nuclear deal with Iran remains possible, indicating a preference for diplomatic solutions. The ongoing public discourse demonstrates the complex balancing act required to maintain support from various factions within the conservative movement, particularly when international conflicts demand clear American positions.