Full History Of Tucker Carlson In Timeline From 1941

1941: Dick Carlson Born

In 1941, Dick Carlson, Tucker Carlson's father, was born. He later became a director at Policy Impact Strategic Communications.

1945: Birth of Lisa McNear Lombardi

In 1945, Lisa McNear (née Lombardi), Tucker Carlson's mother, was born. She was an artist from San Francisco.

1955: Swanson Brand Sold

In 1955, the Swanson family sold the Swanson brand to the Campbell Soup Company.

May 16, 1969: Tucker Carlson Born

On May 16, 1969, Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson was born. He would later become a conservative political commentator and television host.

1972: Normalization of Relations with China

In 1972, The normalization of relations with China following President Richard Nixon's visit led to unforeseen consequences, and that America became progressively worse off for it.

1976: Carlson's Parents Divorced

In 1976, Tucker Carlson's parents divorced, and his father was granted custody of him and his brother. His mother moved to France and never saw them again.

1979: Father's Marriage to Patricia Swanson

In 1979, Tucker Carlson's father married Patricia Caroline Swanson, an heiress to Swanson Enterprises, who then adopted Tucker and his brother.

1984: Father's Mayoral Race

In 1984, Tucker Carlson's father unsuccessfully challenged the incumbent Republican Party mayor Roger Hedgecock in the San Diego mayoral race.

1988: Support for Ron Paul's Candidacy

In 1988, Tucker Carlson supported Ron Paul's presidential candidacy, when Paul ran as the candidate for the Libertarian Party.

August 10, 1991: Marriage to Susan Thomson Andrews

On August 10, 1991, Tucker Carlson married Susan Thomson Andrews in the chapel of St. George's School, where they met.

1991: Graduated from Trinity College

In 1991, Tucker Carlson graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. in history.

1995: Joined The Weekly Standard

In 1995, Tucker Carlson joined The Weekly Standard news magazine as a writer.

November 29, 1999: Carlson's Criticism of Donald Trump

On November 29, 1999, in a public correspondence, Carlson agreed with the low opinion of Donald Trump, calling him "the single most repulsive person on the planet."

1999: Interviewed George W. Bush

In 1999, Tucker Carlson interviewed then-Governor George W. Bush for Talk magazine, quoting Bush mocking Karla Faye Tucker, which led to bad publicity for Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

2000: Views on Capital Punishment

In 2000, Carlson wrote that capital punishment "deserves more vigorous debate".

2000: Bush's Presidential Campaign

In 2000, George W. Bush's presidential campaign was affected by Tucker Carlson's 1999 interview, in which Bush was quoted mocking Karla Faye Tucker.

2000: CNN Commentator

In 2000, Tucker Carlson became a commentator for CNN, marking an early stage in his television career.

2000: Co-hosted The Spin Room

In 2000, Tucker Carlson co-hosted The Spin Room on CNN, a short-lived show.

2000: Vote for George W. Bush

In the 2000 election, Carlson voted for George W. Bush.

October 17, 2001: Plane Crash in Dubai

On October 17, 2001, Tucker Carlson and his father were involved in a plane crash in Dubai while working on a story for New York covering the Taliban.

2001: Co-host of Crossfire

In 2001, Tucker Carlson became a co-host of CNN's Crossfire, a prime-time news debate program.

2002: Carlson quits drinking alcohol

In 2002, Carlson made the decision to quit drinking alcohol.

September 2003: Publication of Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites

In September 2003, Tucker Carlson's memoir Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News was published, receiving favorable reviews.

November 2003: Hired to Helm PBS Program

In November 2003, Tucker Carlson was hired to helm a new program for PBS, Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered.

2003: Views on Bush and McCain

In 2003, Carlson told Salon that some conservatives suspected he was secretly liberal and that Bush wasn't much of a conservative.

2003: Public Support for the U.S. Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Tucker Carlson publicly supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq, a decision he later expressed regret for.

2003: Published "Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites"

In 2003, Tucker Carlson published his book "Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites".

2003: Opposition to Death Penalty and Abortion

In 2003, Tucker Carlson told Salon, "I'm opposed to the death penalty as I am adamantly opposed to abortion".

2003: Esquire Profile Nomination

In 2003, Tucker Carlson's Esquire profile on his journey to Liberia alongside Reverend Al Sharpton received a nomination at the National Magazine Awards.

2003: Interview with Britney Spears

In 2003, Tucker Carlson's interview with Britney Spears, where she commented on the Iraq War, was featured in the 2004 film Fahrenheit 9/11.

June 18, 2004: Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered Launched

On June 18, 2004, Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered launched on PBS, concurrently with Carlson's Crossfire role on CNN.

October 2004: Jon Stewart on Crossfire

In October 2004, Jon Stewart appeared on Crossfire and criticized the show, singling out Tucker Carlson and leading to discussions about its impact on political discourse.

2004: Decision not to vote

Carlson did not vote in the 2004 election, citing disillusionment with the Iraq War and the Republican Party.

2004: Spears won a Golden Raspberry Award

In 2004, Britney Spears won a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress for her appearance in Fahrenheit 9/11, which featured her 2003 interview with Tucker Carlson.

2004: Opposition to Nanny-State Regulations

In 2004, Carlson said, "I hate all nanny-state regulations, such as seat belt laws and smoking bans."

2004: Renounced Support for Iraq War

In 2004, Tucker Carlson renounced his initial support for the Iraq War, adopting a skeptical stance on U.S. foreign interventions.

2004: Criticism of the Iraq War and George W. Bush

In 2004, a year after the invasion of Iraq, Tucker Carlson wrote a commentary in Esquire criticizing George W. Bush and the Iraq War.

2004: Resigned from Crossfire

In April 2004, Tucker Carlson resigned from Crossfire because he disliked the partisanship.

2004: Jon Stewart confronts Carlson on Crossfire

Lyz Lenz of the Columbia Journalism Review noted that Tucker Carlson's debate style mirrors Jon Stewart's confrontation of Carlson on Crossfire in 2004.

January 5, 2005: CNN Ends Carlson's Contract

On January 5, 2005, CNN decided not to renew Tucker Carlson's contract, leading to the cancellation of Crossfire.

June 12, 2005: Left Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered

On June 12, 2005, Tucker Carlson announced he was leaving Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered after roughly a year, despite funding for another season, to focus on his new MSNBC show Tucker.

June 13, 2005: Tucker Premiered on MSNBC

On June 13, 2005, Tucker, originally titled The Situation With Tucker Carlson, premiered on MSNBC.

2005: Tucker on MSNBC Host

In 2005, Tucker Carlson began hosting Tucker on MSNBC, a nightly program that lasted until 2008.

September 13, 2006: First contestant eliminated on Dancing with the Stars

On September 13, 2006, Tucker Carlson was the first contestant eliminated from season 3 of Dancing with the Stars.

2006: Use of Derogatory Language

From 2006 to 2011, Tucker Carlson used derogatory language towards women, including the words "pig" and "cunt", on the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge.

2006: Registered as a Democrat

In 2006, Carlson registered as a Democrat in Washington, D.C.

2006: Romney's Healthcare Reform

In 2006, Mitt Romney signed a health care reform as governor of Massachusetts, which included an individual mandate.

2006: Coverage of the 2006 Lebanon War

In 2006, Tucker Carlson appeared live from Israel during the 2006 Lebanon War and criticized Syria's involvement, expressing some support for the Israel Defense Forces while also criticizing their tactics.

2006: Hosted Winter Olympics Wrap-Up

In 2006, Tucker Carlson hosted a late-afternoon weekday wrap-up for MSNBC during the Winter Olympics.

2006: Homophobic Comments on Radio

In 2006, Tucker Carlson made homophobic comments during a radio conversation with Bubba the Love Sponge, using the word "faggot" to describe their affection for each other.

2006: Racist Comments

In 2006, Tucker Carlson made racist comments, revealed in 2019 by Media Matters for America, including describing Iraq as being full of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

2006: Stopped Wearing Bow Ties

In 2006, Tucker Carlson stopped wearing bow ties on air, a habit he had maintained from boarding school.

2007: Description of Beating Up Gay Man

In 2007, Tucker Carlson described an incident during high school of beating up a gay man who had made an advance on him in a public bathroom.

2007: Reported on Shootings

In 2007, Tucker Carlson reported on the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting and the Johnson Space Center shooting.

March 10, 2008: Tucker Canceled by MSNBC

On March 10, 2008, Tucker was canceled by MSNBC due to low ratings.

March 14, 2008: Final Episode of Tucker

On March 14, 2008, the final episode of Tucker aired on MSNBC.

2008: Potential Libertarian Candidate

In 2008, Carlson was floated as a potential candidate for the Libertarian nomination and spoke at Ron Paul's Rally for the Republic.

2008: Support for Ron Paul's Candidacy

In 2008, Tucker Carlson supported Ron Paul's presidential candidacy, when Paul ran as a Republican.

2008: End of Tucker on MSNBC

In 2008, Tucker Carlson's show Tucker on MSNBC ended its run.

May 2009: Hired as Fox News contributor

In May 2009, Fox News announced that Tucker Carlson was hired as a Fox News contributor.

2009: Senior Fellow at Cato Institute

From 2009, Carlson was a senior fellow at the Cato Institute.

2009: Fox News Political Analyst

In 2009, Tucker Carlson became a political analyst for Fox News, appearing on various programs.

2009: Decrease in Mexican Immigrants

Since 2009, the number of Mexicans in the U.S. had decreased.

January 11, 2010: The Daily Caller launched

On January 11, 2010, Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel launched The Daily Caller, a political news website. Carlson served as editor-in-chief.

February 2010: The Daily Caller joins White House press pool

In February 2010, The Daily Caller became part of the White House rotating press pool.

May 25, 2010: Denied access to JournoList forum

On May 25, 2010, Ezra Klein denied Tucker Carlson's attempt to join the invitation-only liberal forum, JournoList.

June 2010: The Daily Caller publishes JournoList excerpts

In June 2010, The Daily Caller published excerpts from emails sent between members of JournoList, leading to controversy and the resignation of Dave Weigel from The Washington Post.

September 2010: Produced and hosted Fighting for Our Children's Minds special

In September 2010, Tucker Carlson produced and hosted a special entitled Fighting for Our Children's Minds on Fox News.

2010: Co-founded The Daily Caller

In 2010, Tucker Carlson co-founded The Daily Caller, a right-wing news and opinion website.

2010: Statements on Michael Vick

In 2010, after saying on Fox News that Michael Vick "should have been executed" for dog fighting, Carlson stated that he is "not comfortable with the death penalty under any circumstances".

2011: Use of Derogatory Language

From 2006 to 2011, Tucker Carlson used derogatory language towards women, including the words "pig" and "cunt", on the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge.

2011: Death of Lisa McNear Lombardi

In 2011, Lisa McNear (née Lombardi), Tucker Carlson's mother, passed away.

2011: Protest outside Carlson's house

In 2011, protestors gathered outside Carlson's home in Washington, D.C. to protest Carlson.

2011: Slurs on air

Until around 2011, Tucker Carlson made slurs on air that have been described by some as racist and sexist, provoking advertiser boycotts.

2012: Mitt Romney Republican Nominee

In 2012, Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for President.

2012: Disappointment with Mitt Romney

In 2012, Tucker Carlson expressed his disappointment with the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney.

April 2013: Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend

In April 2013, Tucker Carlson replaced Dave Briggs as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.

2013: Carlson expresses displeasure with the Episcopal Church

In 2013, Carlson voiced his discontent with the Episcopal Church's stance on same-sex marriage and abortion rights, despite continuing to attend services.

2015: Comments on Australian Gun Laws

In 2015, Carlson said Australian gun laws were "insane" and "childish".

2015: End of Cato Institute Fellowship

Through 2015, Carlson was a senior fellow at the Cato Institute.

January 2016: Support for Donald Trump

In January 2016, Carlson expressed his support for Donald Trump's candidacy and positions.

March 2016: Criticism of Mitt Romney's Denunciation of Donald Trump

In March 2016, Tucker Carlson criticized Mitt Romney for denouncing Donald Trump's response to questions about David Duke's support.

November 14, 2016: Tucker Carlson Tonight premiere

On November 14, 2016, Tucker Carlson began hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News. The premiere episode was highly watched.

2016: Tucker Carlson Tonight Premiered

In 2016, Tucker Carlson began hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News, a nightly political talk show.

January 9, 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight moves to 9 PM slot

On January 9, 2017, Tucker Carlson's show replaced Megyn Kelly at the 9:00 p.m. time slot on Fox News.

January 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight gets consistently high ratings

In January 2017, Tucker Carlson Tonight scored consistently high ratings, averaging 2.8 million viewers per night.

February 23, 2017: The Atlantic describes Carlson's televised partisan combat skills

On February 23, 2017, The Atlantic wrote that "Carlson's true talent is not for political philosophizing, it's for televised partisan combat.

March 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight becomes top cable program

In March 2017, Tucker Carlson Tonight was the most watched cable program in the 9:00 p.m. time slot.

April 19, 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight moves to 8 PM slot

On April 19, 2017, Fox News announced that Tucker Carlson Tonight would air at 8:00 p.m. following the cancellation of The O'Reilly Factor.

May 2017: Book Deal with Simon & Schuster

In May 2017, Carlson signed an eight-figure, two-book deal with Simon & Schuster's Threshold Editions.

July 2017: Statement that Iran Poses No Domestic Threat to the U.S.

In July 2017, Tucker Carlson stated that "we actually don't face any domestic threat from Iran" during an interview.

September 19, 2017: GQ profile describes Carlson's on-air tactics

On September 19, 2017, journalist Stephen Rodrick wrote in a GQ profile of Carlson that he mocks and verbally body-slams those who disagree with him, sharing a reluctance to apologize for mistakes with Donald Trump.

2017: Carlson sells his home

In 2017, Carlson sold his home and purchased another nearby.

2017: Reasons for Democratic Registration

In 2017, Carlson stated his Democratic registration was to vote in mayoral primaries, despite despising the party.

2017: Stewart's Criticism Recalled

In 2017, The New York Times referred to Jon Stewart's October 2004 "on-air dressing-down" of Carlson as an "ignominious career [moment]" for Carlson, leading to the show's cancellation.

2017: Statement of Disapproval of White Supremacy

In 2017, Tucker Carlson stated that he does not approve of white supremacy.

March 2018: Tucker Carlson Tonight Third-Highest-Rated Cable News Show

As of March 2018, Tucker Carlson Tonight was the third-highest-rated cable news show.

March 2018: Criticism of Trump on Gun Control

In March 2018, Carlson criticized Donald Trump for comments supporting gun control after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

April 2018: Questioning Assad's Responsibility in the Douma Chemical Attack

In April 2018, Tucker Carlson questioned whether Bashar al-Assad was responsible for the Douma chemical attack.

July 2018: Claim of Mexican Interference in U.S. Elections

In July 2018, Tucker Carlson claimed that Mexico had interfered in U.S. elections "more successfully" than Russia through mass immigration.

August 2018: Allegations about South African Government Targeting White Farmers

In August 2018, Tucker Carlson alleged that the South African government was targeting white farmers and falsely stated the president changed the constitution to allow land thefts. These claims were debunked by multiple news organizations as false or misleading.

October 2018: Release of Ship of Fools

In October 2018, Carlson's book, Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution, was released and became a New York Times Best Seller.

October 2018: Tucker Carlson Tonight Second-Highest Rated Cable News Show

In October 2018, Tucker Carlson Tonight was the second-highest rated cable news show in prime time, with 3.2 million nightly viewers.

November 2018: Protest outside Carlson's home

In November 2018, a "Smash Racism D.C." activist group protested outside Tucker Carlson's home in Washington, D.C., and his driveway was vandalized.

2018: Ship of Fools published

In 2018, Carlson's book, Ship of Fools, inspired by a Grateful Dead song, was published.

2018: Darren Beattie Fired as Trump Speechwriter

In 2018, Darren Beattie, who later appeared on Carlson's show, was fired as a Trump speechwriter after CNN inquired about his attendance at a white nationalist gathering.

2018: Criticism of China's Treatment of Muslims

In 2018, Tucker Carlson criticized China's treatment of Muslims.

2018: Denial of Racism and Promotion of White Grievance Politics

In 2018, Tucker Carlson denied being a racist while promoting white grievance politics in his commentary.

2018: Comments on Mass Immigration

In 2018, Tucker Carlson described the effects of mass immigration on the United States using the terms dirtier, poorer, and more divided. He also questioned whether diversity is a strength, citing Hazleton, Pennsylvania, as an example of negative impact due to rapid demographic changes.

2018: Carlson incorrectly argues Donald Trump was victim of extortion by Karen McDougal

In 2018, Tucker Carlson incorrectly argued that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by Karen McDougal.

2018: Published "Ship of Fools"

In 2018, Tucker Carlson published his book "Ship of Fools".

2018: Adoption of Buchanan's Views

In his 2018 book, Ship of Fools, Carlson wrote that he had adopted some of Pat Buchanan's views.

2018: Protestors gather in front of Carlson's home

In late 2018, protestors gathered in front of Carlson's home.

2018: Promotion of Populist Economics

Since 2018, Carlson has promoted more populist economics, attacking libertarianism and portraying some Republicans as "controlled by the banks".

January 2019: Carlson's show viewership drops

By January 2019, Tucker Carlson's show dropped to third with 2.8 million nightly viewers, down six percent from the previous year, and the show also lost at least 26 advertisers.

January 2019: Criticism of Mainstream Republican Worldview

In January 2019, Carlson used a The Washington Post op-ed by Romney to criticize what he described as the "mainstream Republican" worldview.

January 2019: Start date for FOIA request regarding communications between NSA officials and Tucker Carlson

In June 2021, a producer for Tucker Carlson filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the NSA, seeking records dating back to January 2019, before Biden became president.

March 2019: Calls to fire Carlson from Fox News

In March 2019, there were calls to fire Tucker Carlson from Fox News after Media Matters resurfaced controversial remarks he had made. His ratings rose eight percent that week despite the boycotts.

May 2019: Defense of Trump's Tariffs on Mexico

In May 2019, Tucker Carlson defended Donald Trump's decision to place tariffs on Mexico unless Mexico stopped illegal immigration to the United States, calling Mexico a "hostile foreign power."

May 2019: Comments on Illegal Workers

In May 2019, Tucker Carlson stated that the "flood of illegal workers into the United States has damaged our communities, ruined our schools, burdened our healthcare system and fractured our national unity."

June 2019: Defense of Trump's Friendship with Kim Jong-un

In June 2019, Tucker Carlson defended Donald Trump's friendship with Kim Jong-un, stating that leading a country "means killing people."

June 2019: Influence in Dissuading Trump from Military Strikes Against Iran

In June 2019, Tucker Carlson reportedly played an influential role in dissuading Donald Trump from launching military strikes against Iran.

July 9, 2019: Criticism of Ilhan Omar

On July 9, 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized Representative Ilhan Omar, accusing her of being ungrateful to the United States and calling her "living proof that the way we practice immigration has become dangerous to this country". This was described as "racially loaded" and "full of anti-immigrant rhetoric".

August 2019: Advertisers return to other time slots on Fox News

By August 2019, Media Matters calculated that some companies had fulfilled their media buy contracts and advertising inventory for the time slot and had now begun their purchases for other time slots on Fox News.

September 10, 2019: Lobbying for the Firing of John Bolton

On September 10, 2019, Donald Trump fired John Bolton after Tucker Carlson lobbied Donald Trump to fire his national security advisor.

November 2019: Repeating Claims About the Douma Chemical Attack and Questioning the Khan Shaykhun Attack

In November 2019, Tucker Carlson repeated claims about the Douma chemical attack and questioned whether the attack had happened at all. He also suggested that the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack was a false flag operation.

December 2019: Karen McDougal sues Fox News

In December 2019, Playboy model Karen McDougal sued Fox News after Tucker Carlson accused her of extorting Donald Trump.

December 2019: False Claims About Immigrants and the Potomac River

In December 2019, Tucker Carlson falsely claimed that immigrants were responsible for making the Potomac River "dirtier and dirtier".

2019: Media Matters Release of Racist Comments

In 2019, Media Matters for America released recordings of racist comments Tucker Carlson made in 2006. These comments included calling Iraq a country of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

2019: Park MacDougald's Description of Carlson

In 2019, Park MacDougald, writing for New York magazine's Intelligencer, described Carlson as a "Middle American radical" with populist and nationalist views.

2019: Criticism of LeBron James for Speaking Out Against Daryl Morey

In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized LeBron James for speaking out against Daryl Morey, who tweeted in support of the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests.

2019: Criticism of Hedge Funds and Praise for Elizabeth Warren's Economic Plan

In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized hedge funds, singling out Republican donor Paul Singer, and private equity firms. He praised Elizabeth Warren's economic plan and called her book "one of the best books I've ever read on economics."

2019: Influenced Trump's Decisions

In 2019, Tucker Carlson influenced some of Donald Trump's decisions, including the cancellation of a military strike against Iran.

2019: Accusations of Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory Endorsement

In 2019, Tucker Carlson was accused of endorsing the Great Replacement conspiracy theory by commentators and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) due to his comments on immigration and demographics.

2019: Statement of Rooting for Russia During the Donbas War

In 2019, during a discussion about U.S. military aid to Ukraine during the Donbas War, Tucker Carlson stated on his show, "Why shouldn't I root for Russia? Which I am", later claiming it was a joke.

2019: Ownership of AR-15 Style Rifle

In a 2019 interview, Carlson said he owns an AR-15 style rifle and said "all my guns are working-class guns".

January 2020: Criticism of Soleimani Assassination

In January 2020, Carlson criticized the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, ordered by Trump.

May 2020: Public Questioning of COVID-19 Severity

By May 2020, Tucker Carlson began to publicly question the severity of the COVID-19 virus after previously warning about its seriousness.

June 2020: Criticism of Trump's Response to BLM Protests

In June 2020, Carlson said that Trump had let Black Lives Matter protests go too far.

June 2020: Carlson Sells Stake in The Daily Caller

In June 2020, Tucker Carlson sold his one-third stake in The Daily Caller to Neil Patel.

July 2020: Head writer Blake Neff resigns

In July 2020, Tucker Carlson's head writer Blake Neff resigned after CNN Business reported on his racist, sexist, and homophobic posts.

August 2020: Defense of Kyle Rittenhouse

In August 2020, Carlson aired segments defending Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot three protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

September 2020: Carlson admits to lying "out of weakness"

In September 2020, Tucker Carlson said that he tries not to lie on TV, but admits he does it "out of weakness or whatever".

October 2020: Tucker Carlson Tonight viewership peaks

By October 2020, Tucker Carlson Tonight averaged 5.3 million viewers, becoming the highest of any cable news program in history at that point.

October 2020: Carlson alleges someone is reading his text messages

In October 2020, Tucker Carlson alleged on his show that someone was reading his text messages after documents he claimed had compromising information on Hunter Biden were lost by UPS.

November 20, 2020: Promotion of the COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory

On November 20, 2020, Tucker Carlson hosted Li-Meng Yan on his show to promote the COVID-19 lab leak theory, which claims COVID-19 was made in a Chinese laboratory and escaped from the lab.

2020: Reported Vote for Kanye West

Following the 2020 election, Carlson reportedly told people he had voted for independent candidate Kanye West.

2020: Carlson buys a house on Gasparilla Island

In 2020, Carlson sold his house in Kent and bought a house on Gasparilla Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast.

2020: Fox News defends Carlson's hyperbole in slander lawsuit

In 2020, Fox News successfully defended Tucker Carlson in a slander lawsuit by Karen McDougal, citing his use of hyperbole as a rhetorical device.

2020: Criticism of the Assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In 2020, Tucker Carlson criticized the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, calling it a "quagmire".

2020: End of Democratic Registration

In 2020, Tucker Carlson ended his registration as a Democrat.

2020: Influenced Commutation of Roger Stone's Sentence

In 2020, Tucker Carlson influenced the commutation of Roger Stone's prison sentence by President Trump.

2020: Calling Bob Iger a "propagandist" for the Chinese Communist Party

In 2020, Tucker Carlson referred to the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, as a "propagandist" for the Chinese Communist Party.

2020: Left The Daily Caller

In 2020, Tucker Carlson sold his ownership stake and left The Daily Caller.

2020: Response to Head Writer's Firing for Hateful Blog Posts

In 2020, after Neff, his head writer, was fired for hateful blog posts, Tucker Carlson said the posts had "no connection to the show".

2020: Tucker Carlson Tonight Becomes Highest-Rated Cable News Show

Starting the week of June 8-14, 2020, Tucker Carlson Tonight became the highest-rated cable news show in the U.S., with an average of four million viewers, amidst controversy and advertising boycotts.

2020: Doubts About Stolen Election

Throughout 2020, Tucker Carlson privately doubted the false claims that the election was stolen and mocked Trump advisors, including Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell.

2020: Election Fraud Allegations

Throughout 2020, Tucker Carlson raised false allegations of fraud in the election, including mentioning purportedly dead individuals who voted in Georgia, and later apologized for the error. He acknowledged the election would not produce a Trump victory.

January 26, 2021: Interview with Mike Lindell

On January 26, 2021, Tucker Carlson brought on Mike Lindell, whose company My Pillow was the largest advertiser on Tucker Carlson Tonight, to criticize Dominion Voting Systems and claim it had "hired hit groups and bots and trolls" to target him following his Twitter account's permanent suspension.

February 2021: New multiyear deal with Fox News

In February 2021, Tucker Carlson announced a multiyear deal with Fox News to host a new weekly podcast and series of monthly specials dubbed Tucker Carlson Originals on Fox Nation.

February 2021: Carlson alleges no white supremacists responsible for January 6 attack

In February 2021, Tucker Carlson claimed there was no evidence that white supremacists were responsible for the January 6 United States Capitol attack, a statement PolitiFact rated as false. Carlson also inaccurately stated that no one in the crowd on January 6 was carrying a firearm.

March 2021: Ridicule of Maternity Flight Suits

In March 2021, Tucker Carlson ridiculed maternity flight suits for U.S. women soldiers and described a decision by the Chinese military to build ships as "more masculine," leading to a rebuke by the U.S. military.

March 2021: Statements on the Latin American Immigration Crisis and Spain

In March 2021, Tucker Carlson stated that issues like the Latin American immigration crisis should be blamed on "other colonial powers centuries ago" and suggested Spain should send back the gold in its central bank.

June 2021: Carlson promotes conspiracy theory about Capitol storming

In June 2021, Tucker Carlson promoted a conspiracy theory alleging the Capitol storming was a "false flag" FBI operation. He also said Vladimir Putin raised "fair questions" about the fatal police shooting of a rioter.

June 21, 2021: Reported as a Media Source

On June 21, 2021, a report indicated that Tucker Carlson was a media source for several journalists and authors who wrote critically of Donald Trump.

June 28, 2021: Carlson claims NSA is spying on him

On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson claimed on his program that a whistleblower informed him the NSA was monitoring his communications and planning to leak them to take his show off the air. A producer filed a FOIA request with the NSA that same day.

July 2021: Views on the Republican Party

In July 2021, Carlson stated that the Republican Party is "inept and bad at governing".

July 2021: Time writer describes Carlson's rhetorical strategy

In July 2021, Charlotte Alter of Time wrote that Tucker Carlson sometimes tells "outright falsehoods", but generally sticks to innuendo to avoid assertions that are factually disprovable.

July 2021: Suggesting Voter Fraud in Fulton County

In July 2021, Tucker Carlson suggested that "there actually was meaningful voter fraud in Fulton County, Georgia, last November," despite the state's election results being validated. PolitiFact found no evidence to substantiate his conclusion.

August 2021: Release of The Long Slide

In August 2021, Carlson's second book, The Long Slide: Thirty Years in American Journalism, was released.

August 2021: Travel to Hungary and Praise for Viktor Orbán

In August 2021, Tucker Carlson traveled to Hungary, broadcasting from Budapest, praising the country and Viktor Orbán's policies.

August 2021: NSA inspector general examines Carlson's allegation

In August 2021, the NSA inspector general's office announced it was examining Tucker Carlson's allegation that the agency was spying on him.

October 2021: Carlson releases 'Patriot Purge' series

In October 2021, Tucker Carlson released 'Patriot Purge', a three-part series on Fox Nation, promoting the conspiracy theory that the January 6 attack was a government false flag operation. The series was criticized for containing falsehoods and conspiracy theories, leading to resignations from Fox News contributors.

November 2021: Daily Mail publishes emails from Hunter Biden's laptop

In November 2021, the Daily Mail published emails from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden, which appeared to show a friendship between himself and Tucker Carlson.

December 2021: Comments on Gender Differences

In December 2021, Tucker Carlson commented on gender differences, stating that "Men and women are very different, extremely different. Society is built on their differences," while discussing the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men.

2021: Carlson recognized for influencing American politics

According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, Tucker Carlson was "recognized for his success in helping to bring far-right viewpoints and vocabulary into the mainstream of American politics" In 2021, Time said that Carlson could be the most powerful conservative in America and Mediaite named him the most influential person in news media.

2021: Time Magazine on Carlson's Influence

In 2021, Time magazine described Carlson as "may be the most powerful conservative in America".

2021: Criticism of Pete Buttigieg's Paternity Leave

In 2021, Tucker Carlson belittled the paternity leave taken by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, joking about Buttigieg "trying to figure out how to breastfeed".

2021: Description of "The Great Replacement"

In 2021, Tucker Carlson described "demographic replacement" as "The Great Replacement", using white nationalist terminology.

2021: Published "The Long Slide"

In 2021, Tucker Carlson published his book "The Long Slide".

2021: Carlson included in Time 100 list

In 2021, Tucker Carlson was included in the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

January 6, 2022: Ted Cruz apologizes to Carlson for calling Capitol storming a "terrorist attack"

On January 6, 2022, the anniversary of the Capitol attack, Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Tucker Carlson's show and apologized for calling the event a "terrorist attack" after previously being criticized by Carlson.

January 2022: Release of 'Hungary vs. Soros' on Fox Nation

In January 2022, Tucker Carlson released the film "Hungary vs. Soros" on Fox Nation, promoting conspiracy theories about George Soros.

February 2022: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, which led to Vladimir Putin's isolation from Western media, except for Tucker Carlson's interview in 2024.

February 2022: Support for Canada Convoy Protest

In February 2022, Tucker Carlson supported the Canada convoy protest against COVID-19 restrictions, calling it "the single most successful human rights protest in a generation".

April 2022: New York Times publishes "American Nationalist" series

In April 2022, The New York Times released a three-part investigative series called "American Nationalist" which documented Carlson's rise and rhetoric on controversial topics. Carlson responded by dismissing the series and denying allegations about focusing on ratings.

May 2022: Tucker Carlson Tonight second to The Five

Through May 2022 Tucker Carlson Tonight was a close second to The Five, while leading in the 25-54 demographic.

August 2022: Deposition in Dominion Lawsuit

In August 2022, Tucker Carlson was deposed as part of a lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News over false claims of voter fraud made about the company.

September 2022: Speech at Sonny Barger's funeral

In September 2022, Carlson spoke at the funeral of Hells Angels president Sonny Barger, expressing admiration for Barger's values.

September 2022: Comments on the British Empire After Queen Elizabeth II's Death

In September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Tucker Carlson commented on the British Empire, stating it had brought civilization to regions it occupied with "decency unmatched by any empire in human history".

October 11, 2022: Leaked Kanye West Interview Footage

On October 11, 2022, unaired footage from Tucker Carlson's interview with Kanye West was leaked, revealing West expressing Black Hebrew Israelite views, claiming he'd received a COVID-19 vaccine, and making claims about child actors and his children's schooling. This was scrutinized after West made antisemitic statements.

October 2022: Tulsi Gabbard's Appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight

In October 2022, Tulsi Gabbard appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight the night she left the Democratic Party, to Carlson's praise.

November 2022: Scrutiny After Colorado Springs Shooting

In November 2022, Tucker Carlson's promotion of inflammatory rhetoric about LGBTQ controversies was scrutinized following the Colorado Springs nightclub mass shooting.

2022: Bump argues Carlson is loath to acknowledge factual errors

In 2022, Philip Bump argued that compared with other television anchors, Tucker Carlson is loath to acknowledge factual errors in his commentary.

2022: Airing Edited Kanye West Interview

In 2022, Tucker Carlson aired an edited version of an interview with Ye (Kanye West) where West discussed wearing "White Lives Matter" shirts and his pro-life stance, after West had been seen wearing the shirts at Paris Fashion Week.

2022: Release of The End of Men

In 2022, Tucker Carlson released "The End of Men", a Tucker Carlson Original, alleging a decline in American masculinity and featuring Raw Egg Nationalist, an author affiliated with Neo-Nazi publishing house Antelope Hill.

2022: Response to Criticism of Carlson's Show on Race

In 2022, Tucker Carlson responded to a report criticizing his show by stating his belief in judging people by their actions, not skin color, citing Martin Luther King Jr.

2022: Defense of Vladimir Putin Leading Up to the Invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, Tucker Carlson was noted for defending Vladimir Putin in the lead-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Denial of Great Replacement Beliefs

In 2022, Tucker Carlson, despite past comments, challenged accusations that he believes in the Great Replacement conspiracy theory, calling its existence a "hoax" after it was invoked by white supremacist mass shooters.

2022: Promotion of Pro-Russian Disinformation Regarding Ukraine

In early 2022, Tucker Carlson downplayed Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's borders and, following the invasion, promoted pro-Russian disinformation. His broadcasts were used by Russian state media to support their messaging.

2022: Carlson buys second home on Gasparilla Island

In the summer of 2022, Carlson bought a second home next door on Gasparilla Island.

March 2023: Defense of Trump After Indictment

In March 2023, Carlson defended Trump after he was indicted in New York, calling it "election interference".

March 2023: Comments on Private Texts and Trump

In March 2023, Tucker Carlson expressed anger over his private texts being pulled for a court case and asserted that he loves Trump, finding him funny and insightful.

March 2023: Ray Epps demands retraction from Carlson

In March 2023, an attorney for Ray Epps, a pro-Trump protestor, demanded a public retraction from Tucker Carlson for falsely claiming Epps was a federal agent instigating the January 6 attack, which led to threats and harassment against Epps and his wife.

April 2023: Fired by Fox News

In April 2023, Fox News dismissed Tucker Carlson and canceled his show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, without any explanation after Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit.

April 24, 2023: Fox News dismisses Tucker Carlson

On the morning of April 24, 2023, Fox News dismissed Tucker Carlson and the executive producer of his evening show.

May 9, 2023: Carlson announces relaunch of show on Twitter

On May 9, 2023, Tucker Carlson said he would relaunch his show on Twitter, alleging breach of contract by Fox executives.

June 6, 2023: Tucker on Twitter releases first episode

On June 6, 2023, the first episode of Tucker on Twitter was released, featuring controversial claims.

June 2023: Seeking Funds for New Media Company

In June 2023, Tucker Carlson was reportedly seeking funds to start a new media company with Neil Patel.

August 23, 2023: Tucker on X Interview with Donald Trump

On August 23, 2023, Tucker Carlson hosted Donald Trump on Tucker on X, formerly known as Twitter, timed to coincide with the first 2024 Republican debate.

September 6, 2023: Interview with Larry Sinclair

On September 6, 2023, Carlson interviewed Larry Sinclair, who made controversial claims about Barack Obama; the interview was criticized by many.

September 2023: Interview About Barack Obama

In September 2023, Tucker Carlson interviewed a man who claimed to have had sex with Barack Obama.

October 2023: Rotation of guest hosts fill Carlson's slot

As of October 2023, a rotation of guest hosts fill Tucker Carlson's old slot until a permanent replacement is found.

November 2023: Carlson appeared with Santiago Abascal in support of the 2023 Spanish protests.

In November 2023, after Carlson appeared with Santiago Abascal in support of the 2023 Spanish protests, Mamela Fiallo's rebuttal article in La Gaceta was retracted.

2023: Release of Tucker Biography

In 2023, Chadwick Moore's biography of Carlson, titled Tucker, was released; it aimed to tell the story of Carlson's Fox News exit from his perspective but performed poorly in sales.

2023: Tucker Carlson Tonight Canceled

In 2023, Tucker Carlson's contract with Fox News was terminated, leading to the cancellation of Tucker Carlson Tonight.

2023: Criticism of Wind Power in New Jersey and New York

In 2023, Tucker Carlson, along with Clean Ocean Action and multiple Republicans, criticized New Jersey and New York's use of wind power, falsely claiming it contributed to whale deaths.

2023: Carlson airs security video from Capitol attack

In early 2023, Tucker Carlson aired portions of security surveillance video from the day of the Capitol attack, portraying it as "peaceful chaos." This led to condemnation from the family of Brian Sicknick and politicians from both parties.

February 2024: Interviewed Vladimir Putin

In February 2024, Tucker Carlson became the first Western journalist to interview Vladimir Putin since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.