History of Tucker Carlson in Timeline

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Tucker Carlson

Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political activist and commentator. He is known for hosting Tucker on X and The Tucker Carlson Show since 2023, and previously hosted Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News from 2016 to 2023. A proponent of Donald Trump, Carlson is considered an influential voice in right-wing media and a key figure in promoting Trumpism.

1926: Publication of Notes on Democracy

In 1926, "Notes on Democracy" was released, a book listed among others.

1930: Release of I'll Take My Stand

In 1930, the book "I'll Take My Stand" was released, listed among others.

1941: Publication of The Managerial Revolution

In 1941, "The Managerial Revolution" was released, listed among other titles.

1941: Dick Carlson Born

In 1941, Dick Carlson, Tucker Carlson's father, was born.

1945: Lisa McNear (née Lombardi) Born

In 1945, Lisa McNear (née Lombardi), Tucker Carlson's mother, was born.

1948: Publication of Ideas Have Consequences

In 1948, "Ideas Have Consequences" was released, a book listed among others.

1951: Release of God and Man at Yale

In 1951, "God and Man at Yale" was released, listed among other titles.

1953: Publication of The Conservative Mind

In 1953, "The Conservative Mind" was released, listed among other titles.

1955: Swanson sold to Campbell Soup Company

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

1960: Publication of The Conscience of a Conservative

In 1960, "The Conscience of a Conservative" was released, listed among other titles.

1964: Release of A Choice Not an Echo

In 1964, "A Choice Not an Echo" was released, listed among other titles.

May 16, 1969: Tucker Carlson Born

On May 16, 1969, Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson was born in San Francisco, California. He is an American conservative political activist and commentator.

1972: Nixon's Visit to China

In 1972, President Richard Nixon visited China, which Carlson said led to unforeseen consequences and made America worse off.

1976: Carlson's parents divorced

In 1976, Tucker Carlson's parents divorced after a nine-year marriage.

1979: Father married Patricia Caroline Swanson

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

1984: Father's Unsuccessful Mayoral Challenge

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

1987: Release of A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind

In 1987, both "A Conflict of Visions" and "The Closing of the American Mind" were released, listed among other titles.

1988: Supported Ron Paul's presidential candidacy

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

August 10, 1991: Carlson marries Susan Thomson Andrews

On August 10, 1991, Tucker Carlson married Susan Thomson Andrews at St. George's School chapel, where she was the daughter of the school's headmaster and priest.

1995: Joined The Weekly Standard

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

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

On November 29, 1999, Tucker Carlson corresponded with Evan Smith of Texas Monthly. Carlson agreed with Smith's negative opinion of Donald Trump, who was then running for president with the Reform Party, calling Trump the "single most repulsive person on the planet."

1999: Interviewed George W. Bush for Talk magazine

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

1999: Carlson Spreads Disinformation about NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, Tucker Carlson spread disinformation about the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, claiming it was an offensive action against Christians that led to the creation of Kosovo, while omitting the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces.

2000: Bad Publicity for Bush's 2000 presidential campaign

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

2000: Carlson on Capital Punishment

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

2000: CNN Commentator

In 2000, Tucker Carlson became a commentator for CNN.

2000: Co-hosted The Spin Room

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

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2000: Voting for George W. Bush

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

October 17, 2001: Plane Crash in Dubai

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

2001: Co-host of Crossfire

From 2001 to 2005, Tucker Carlson was a co-host of Crossfire, CNN's prime-time news debate program.

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2001: Publication of The Death of the West

In 2001, "The Death of the West" was published, and is listed among other book titles.

2002: Carlson quits drinking alcohol

In 2002, Tucker Carlson quit drinking alcohol. A few years earlier, he quit smoking cigarettes and took up nicotine gum and nicotine pouches. He became a co-founder of nicotine pouch company ALP Supply Co.

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 by Warner Books. The book received favorable reviews for its humor.

Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News
Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News

November 2003: Hired to Helm a New Program for PBS

In November 2003, Tucker Carlson was hired to helm a new program for PBS, Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered, which ran concurrently with Carlson's Crossfire gig on CNN.

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2003: Carlson on George W. Bush

In 2003, Carlson told Salon that some Washington conservatives suspected he was "secretly liberal" because he liked John McCain. He added that, by his criteria, Bush wasn't much of a conservative.

2003: Opposition to the Death Penalty

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

2003: Interview with Britney Spears

In 2003, Tucker Carlson interviewed Britney Spears, where she stated she trusts the president's decisions regarding the Iraq War.

2003: Published Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites

In 2003, Tucker Carlson wrote Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites.

Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News
Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News

2003: Expressed regret for supporting the U.S. invasion of Iraq

Tucker Carlson expressed regret for his public support of the U.S. invading Iraq in 2003.

2003: Esquire Profile Garnered National Magazine Awards Nomination

Tucker Carlson's 2003 Esquire profile on his journey to Liberia alongside Reverend Al Sharpton and other civil and political rights activists would garner a nomination at the National Magazine Awards.

June 18, 2004: Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered launched

On June 18, 2004, the program Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered launched on PBS.

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October 2004: Jon Stewart's Critique on Crossfire

In October 2004, Jon Stewart appeared on Crossfire and criticized the show for being harmful to political discourse, singling out Tucker Carlson. This event is believed by some to have led to the show's cancellation.

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2004: Decision not to vote in the election

In 2004, Carlson did not vote in the election, citing his souring on the Iraq War, his disillusionment with the once small-government Republican Party, and his disappointment with Bush and like-minded conservatives.

2004: Stewart confronts Carlson on Crossfire

In 2004, Jon Stewart's confrontation of Tucker Carlson on Crossfire was mentioned in relation to Carlson's debate maneuvers. It was noted that both Stewart then and Carlson now both come out of the gate with an impossible line of questioning and a disingenuous defense.

2004: Expressed hatred of nanny-state regulations

In 2004, Tucker Carlson expressed his dislike for nanny-state regulations, including seat belt laws and smoking bans.

2004: Renounced Support for the Iraq War

In 2004, Tucker Carlson renounced his initial support for the Iraq War and has since been skeptical of U.S. foreign interventions.

2004: Wrote commentary accusing Bush of weakness and criticizing the Iraq War

In 2004, Tucker Carlson wrote a commentary in Esquire accusing Bush of weakness after the September 11 attacks and in the invasion of Iraq. Carlson said "Iraq is a crappy place filled with a bunch of, you know, semi-literate primitive monkeys, that's why it wasn't worth invading.".

2004: Fahrenheit 9/11

In 2004, footage from Tucker Carlson's 2003 interview with Britney Spears was featured in the film Fahrenheit 9/11.

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2004: Carlson Resigned from Crossfire

Tucker Carlson stated he resigned from Crossfire in April 2004, many months before Jon Stewart came on the show.

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January 5, 2005: CNN Ended Relationship with Carlson

On January 5, 2005, CNN chief Jonathan Klein told Carlson the network had decided not to renew his contract. CNN announced that it was ending its relationship with Carlson and would soon cancel Crossfire.

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June 12, 2005: Carlson Left Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered

On June 12, 2005, Tucker Carlson announced he was leaving Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered to focus on his new MSNBC show Tucker.

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June 13, 2005: Tucker Premiered on MSNBC

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

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2005: Hosted Tucker on MSNBC

From 2005 to 2008, Tucker Carlson hosted the nightly program Tucker on MSNBC.

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September 13, 2006: First Contestant Eliminated on Dancing with the Stars

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

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2006: Appeared live from Israel during the 2006 Lebanon War

In 2006, Tucker Carlson appeared live from Israel during the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He proposed that Lebanon fight and push out Hezbollah instead of going to war with Israel and criticized Syria's involvement in the conflict.

2006: Hosted Late-Afternoon Wrap-Up for 2006 Winter Olympics

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

2006: Carlson Makes Racist Comments About Iraq

In 2006, Tucker Carlson made racist comments stating that Iraq was not worth invading because he believed it to be a country made up of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

2006: Registration as a Democrat

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

2006: Romney's health care reform

Tucker Carlson discussed the health care reform that Mitt Romney signed in 2006 as governor of Massachusetts.

2006: Stopped Wearing Bow Ties on Air

Tucker Carlson stopped wearing bow ties on air in 2006, a habit from boarding school he continued in his early television career.

2007: Reported Aftermath of Shootings in 2007

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

March 10, 2008: Tucker Canceled by MSNBC

On March 10, 2008, Tucker Carlson's show Tucker was canceled by MSNBC due to low ratings.

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March 14, 2008: Final Episode of Tucker Aired

On March 14, 2008, the final episode of Tucker Carlson's show Tucker aired on MSNBC.

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2008: Hosted Tucker on MSNBC until 2008

From 2005 to 2008, Tucker Carlson hosted the nightly program Tucker on MSNBC.

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2008: Potential Libertarian Nomination and Rally for the Republic

In 2008, Carlson was reportedly floated as a potential candidate for the Libertarian nomination and included in polling at the Libertarian National Convention. He spoke at Ron Paul's independent Rally for the Republic convention, serving as a "message of revolt to the Republican Party".

2008: Cameo Appearance in Swing Vote

In 2008, Tucker Carlson had a cameo appearance in the film Swing Vote, playing himself.

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2008: Supported Ron Paul's presidential candidacy

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

May 2009: Carlson Hired as Fox News Contributor

In May 2009, Fox News announced that Tucker Carlson was being hired as a Fox News contributor, marking a significant step in his television career.

2009: Political Analyst for Fox News

In 2009, Tucker Carlson became a political analyst for Fox News, appearing on various programs before launching his own show.

2009: Became a senior fellow at the Cato Institute

In 2009, Tucker Carlson became a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank.

2009: Context Regarding Mexican Immigration

In 2009, the number of Mexicans in the U.S. had decreased, according to journalist Philip Bump, who disputed Carlson's claim that Mexico was interfering in U.S. elections through mass immigration.

January 11, 2010: Launched The Daily Caller

On January 11, 2010, Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel launched a political news website titled The Daily Caller.

February 2010: The Daily Caller Part of White House Press Pool

By February 2010, The Daily Caller was part of the White House rotating press pool.

May 25, 2010: Carlson denied entry into JournoList

On May 25, 2010, Tucker Carlson attempted to join JournoList, an invitation-only liberal forum, but was denied by Ezra Klein.

June 2010: The Daily Caller published JournoList excerpts

In June 2010, The Daily Caller published excerpts from e-mails sent between members of JournoList, a liberal forum. The leaked e-mails contained controversial remarks and detailed efforts to defeat Palin and McCain and help elect Barack Obama.

September 2010: Carlson produces 'Fighting for Our Children's Minds'

In September 2010, 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 and served as the initial editor-in-chief of the right-wing news and opinion website The Daily Caller.

2010: Comments 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: Death of Lisa McNear

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

2011: Protests outside Carlson's home

In 2011, a group of protesters gathered outside Tucker Carlson's house in Kent, Washington, D.C., to protest Carlson.

February 2012: The Daily Caller publishes Media Matters exposé

In February 2012, The Daily Caller published an "investigative series" co-authored by Carlson, purporting to be an insiders' exposé of Media Matters for America. The piece was criticized for relying on conjecture and absence of evidence.

October 2012: Carlson publicizes Obama video

In October 2012, Tucker Carlson publicized a 2007 video recording of then-Senator Barack Obama criticizing the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina and complimenting Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The video had been available online since 2007.

2012: Disappointment with Mitt Romney

In 2012, Carlson expressed disappointment with the Republican nominee for the election, Mitt Romney.

2012: Mitt Romney Republican Nominee

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

April 2013: Carlson becomes Fox & Friends Weekend co-host

In April 2013, Tucker Carlson replaced Dave Briggs as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, joining Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris.

2013: Carlson expresses dislike for Episcopal Church

In 2013, Tucker Carlson expressed his dislike for the Episcopal Church in many ways, citing his opposition to the church's support for same-sex marriage and abortion rights, but mentioned that he still attends the church because he loves the liturgy and likes the people.

2015: Comments on Australian gun laws

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

2015: Senior fellow at the Cato Institute

Tucker Carlson was a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, through 2015.

January 2016: Support for Donald Trump's candidacy

In January 2016, Carlson expressed his support for Donald Trump's candidacy and his positions, such as his proposed "Muslim ban", in Politico.

March 2016: Carlson Criticizes Romney's Denouncement of Trump

In March 2016, Tucker Carlson criticized Mitt Romney for denouncing Trump's response to David Duke's support, suggesting that "Obama could have written this."

November 14, 2016: Tucker Carlson Tonight premieres

On November 14, 2016, Tucker Carlson began hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News. The premiere episode was the network's most watched telecast of the year in the time slot, with 3.7 million viewers.

2016: Publication of Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, "Hillbilly Elegy" was published, and is listed among other book titles.

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January 9, 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight replaces Megyn Kelly

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

January 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight scores consistently high ratings

In January 2017, Forbes reported that Tucker Carlson Tonight had "scored consistently high ratings, averaging 2.8 million viewers per night and ranking as the number two cable news program behind The O'Reilly Factor in December".

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

On February 23, 2017, The Atlantic wrote that Tucker Carlson's true talent is for televised partisan combat, using sarcasm, barbed comebacks, and vicious politeness to drive his sparring partners nuts.

March 2017: Tucker Carlson Tonight becomes most watched 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 airs at 8:00 p.m.

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

May 2017: Signing book deal with Simon & Schuster

In May 2017, Tucker Carlson signed an eight-figure, two-book deal with Simon & Schuster's Threshold Editions, represented by Javelin literary agency.

June 2017: The Daily Caller's payment from Trump campaign revealed

In June 2017, it was revealed that The Daily Caller was paid $150,000 by Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign for its list of subscribers, leading to accusations of conflict of interest.

July 2017: Stated that the US faces no domestic threat from Iran

In July 2017, Tucker Carlson stated that "we actually don't face any domestic threat from Iran" and questioned the number of Americans murdered by terrorists backed by Iran since 9/11.

September 19, 2017: GQ profile on Carlson

On September 19, 2017, journalist Stephen Rodrick wrote in a GQ profile that Tucker Carlson mocks and verbally body-slams those who disagree with him, sharing a deep reluctance to apologize for his mistakes and lobbing insults.

2017: Reasons for Democratic Registration

In 2017, Carlson explained his Democratic registration was to vote in mayoral primaries, stating he despises the Democratic Party and always voted for the more corrupt candidate to hinder progressivism.

2017: The New York Times on Stewart's 'Dressing-Down'

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

2017: Carlson sells and purchases nearby home

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

2017: Carlson Disapproves of White Supremacy

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

2017: Release of The Benedict Option

In 2017, the book "The Benedict Option" was published and is listed among other book titles.

March 2018: Tucker Carlson Tonight ranks as 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's gun control comments

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

April 2018: Questioned Assad's responsibility for the Douma chemical attack

In April 2018, Tucker Carlson questioned whether Bashar al-Assad was responsible for the Douma chemical attack that had occurred a few days earlier.

July 2018: Carlson Claims Mexico Interfered in U.S. Elections

In July 2018, Tucker Carlson claimed in an interview that Mexico interfered in U.S. elections "more successfully" than Russia by "packing our electorate" through mass immigration.

August 2018: Carlson Alleges South African Government Targets White Farmers

In August 2018, Tucker Carlson alleged that the South African government was targeting white farmers because "they are the wrong skin color" and falsely said the country's president had changed the constitution to allow land thefts from whites.

October 2018: Tucker Carlson Tonight ranks as second-highest rated cable news show

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

October 2018: Release of Ship of Fools

In October 2018, Tucker Carlson's book, "Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution", was released and debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution
Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution

November 2018: Protest outside Carlson's home

In November 2018, a "Smash Racism D.C." protested outside Carlson's home in Washington, D.C. Carlson's driveway was vandalized with a spray-painted anarchist symbol.

2018: Darren Beattie fired as a Trump speechwriter

In 2018, Darren Beattie was fired as a Trump speechwriter after CNN asked the White House about his attendance at a gathering of white nationalists.

2018: Carlson Criticizes China's Treatment of Muslims

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

2018: Carlson Denies Being a Racist

In 2018, Tucker Carlson denied promoting racism, stating, "I'm not a racist. I hate racism."

2018: Carlson Describes Effects of Mass Immigration

In 2018, Tucker Carlson described the effects of mass immigration on the United States using the terms dirtier, poorer, and more divided and said it "has badly hurt this country's natural landscape". He also questioned whether diversity is a strength.

2018: Carlson incorrectly claims Trump was a victim of extortion

In 2018, Tucker Carlson incorrectly argued that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by Karen McDougal, leading to a slander lawsuit against Fox News.

2018: Published Ship of Fools

In 2018, Tucker Carlson wrote Ship of Fools.

2018: Publication of Why Liberalism Failed

In 2018, the book "Why Liberalism Failed" was released and listed among other titles.

2018: Adoption of Buchanan's views in Ship of Fools

In his 2018 book, "Ship of Fools", Carlson wrote that he had adopted some of Pat Buchanan's views after previously criticizing the Reform Party's eventual nominee.

Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution
Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution

2018: Protestors gather in front of Carlson's home

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

2018: Promoted populist economics and attacked libertarianism

Since 2018, Tucker Carlson has promoted more populist economics, attacking libertarianism, saying "market capitalism is not a religion" and portraying some Republicans as "controlled by the banks".

January 2019: Tucker Carlson Tonight's viewership drops

By January 2019, Tucker Carlson's show viewership 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: Criticized mainstream Republican worldview

In January 2019, Tucker Carlson used a The Washington Post op-ed by Romney to criticize what he described as the "mainstream Republican" worldview, consisting of "unwavering support for a finance-based economy".

January 2019: Producer files FOIA request with NSA

In January 2019, a producer for Tucker Carlson filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the NSA, seeking records of communications between NSA officials regarding Tucker Carlson, before Joe Biden became president. This request preceded Carlson's accusation that the NSA was spying on him.

March 2019: Calls to fire Carlson after resurfaced remarks

In March 2019, there were calls to fire Carlson from Fox News after Media Matters resurfaced remarks he had made to the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge concerning women, statutory rape, Iraqis, and immigrants.

May 2019: Carlson Defends Trump's Tariffs on Mexico

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

May 2019: Carlson Claims Illegal Workers Damage US Communities

In May 2019, Tucker Carlson said, "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: Dissuaded Trump from launching military strikes against Iran

According to The New York Times, Tucker Carlson played an influential role in dissuading Trump from launching military strikes against Iran in June 2019 in response to the shooting down of an American drone, warning that it would hurt his re-election chances.

June 2019: Carlson Defends Trump's Friendship with Kim Jong-un

In June 2019, while touring with President Trump, Tucker Carlson defended Trump's friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Fox & Friends, acknowledging the regime's atrocities but arguing that leading a country often involves "killing people."

July 9, 2019: Carlson Criticizes Ilhan Omar

On July 9, 2019, Tucker Carlson accused Representative Ilhan Omar of being ungrateful to the United States and called her "living proof that the way we practice immigration has become dangerous to this country."

August 2019: Companies fulfill ad contracts

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: Lobbied 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, John Bolton. Carlson said Bolton was "demented" for seeking a military strike against Iran and accused him of undermining Trump.

November 2019: Repeated claim questioning the Douma chemical attack

In November 2019, Tucker Carlson repeated his claim questioning whether the Douma chemical attack had happened at all and suggested that a similar attack that occurred the year before was a false flag attack.

December 2019: Karen McDougal sues Fox News

In December 2019, Playboy model Karen McDougal sued Fox News after Carlson, in a 2018 episode of his show, accused her of extorting Donald Trump.

December 2019: Carlson Falsely Claims Immigrants Pollute 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 Releases Recordings of Racist Comments

In 2019, Media Matters for America released recordings of racist comments that Tucker Carlson made in 2006, including that Iraq was not worth invading because he believed it to be a country made up of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

2019: Park MacDougald describes Carlson as a "Middle American radical"

In 2019, Park MacDougald described Carlson as a "Middle American radical" in New York magazine's Intelligencer, defining it by populist economic beliefs, anti-corporatocracy sentiments, fervent nationalism, and a preference for a strong U.S. president.

2019: El Paso Shooting

In 2019, The El Paso shooting invoked Carlson's endorsement of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.

2019: Carlson Criticizes LeBron James and Bob Iger

In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized LeBron James for speaking out against Daryl Morey's support of the Hong Kong protests, and referred to Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, as a "propagandist" for the Chinese Communist Party.

2019: Criticized hedge funds and praised Elizabeth Warren's economic plan

In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized hedge funds, singling out Republican donor Paul Singer, and private equity while criticizing Mitt Romney. He also praised Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren's economic plan and called her book "The Two Income Trap" one of the best books he's ever read on economics.

2019: Expressed support for Russia over Ukraine

In 2019, while discussing U.S. military aid to Ukraine during the Donbas War, Tucker Carlson said on his show: "Why shouldn't I root for Russia? Which I am", later claiming it was a joke and suggesting the U.S. should side with Russia over Ukraine.

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, which was ordered by Trump.

May 2020: Carlson questions the severity of COVID-19

Starting in May 2020, Tucker Carlson began publicly questioning the severity of COVID-19. He criticized stay-at-home orders and defended protests against lockdowns.

June 2020: Criticism of Trump's handling of Black Lives Matter 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 for an undisclosed amount.

July 2020: Blake Neff resigns from Tucker Carlson Tonight

In July 2020, Blake Neff, Carlson's head writer, resigned after CNN Business reported that he had been using a pseudonym to post racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks on AutoAdmit.

August 2020: Defended Kyle Rittenhouse on air

In August 2020, Tucker Carlson aired segments defending Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old who shot three protesters, killing two, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

September 2020: Carlson admits to lying if cornered

In September 2020, on The Rubin Report, Tucker Carlson stated that unlike TV newscasters who he said systematically lie, he will only lie "if I'm really cornered or something".

October 2020: Tucker Carlson Tonight achieves record viewership

By October 2020, Tucker Carlson Tonight averaged 5.3 million viewers, becoming the highest of any cable news program in history at that point. The show saw a dip in viewership following the aftermath of the 2020 election.

October 2020: Carlson alleges his texts are being read

In October 2020, Tucker Carlson claimed on his show that someone was reading his text messages after documents he said contained compromising information on Hunter Biden were lost and quickly recovered by United Parcel Service.

November 20, 2020: The New York Times Reports on COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory Promotion

On November 20, 2020, The New York Times reported that Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui had brought Li-Meng Yan to America to promote the COVID-19 lab leak theory, and that Bannon and Guo set up appearances for Yan on Carlson's show to promote the theory.

2020: Tucker Carlson Tonight becomes highest-rated cable news show

Beginning 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. Some companies pulled advertising due to Carlson's remarks criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement.

2020: Reported vote for Kanye West

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

2020: Hong Kong Protests

In 2019–2020, Daryl Morey tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests, leading to criticism from Tucker Carlson of LeBron James for speaking out against Morey.

2020: Fox News defense in slander lawsuit

In 2020, Fox News successfully defended itself in a slander lawsuit by Karen McDougal, citing Tucker Carlson's use of hyperbole as a rhetorical device, after Carlson incorrectly argued in 2018 that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by McDougal.

2020: Called Qasem Soleimani assassination a quagmire

In 2020, Tucker Carlson called the assassination of Qasem Soleimani a "quagmire" and criticized those who promote foreign interventions.

2020: Carlson moves to Florida

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

2020: Left The Daily Caller

In 2020, Tucker Carlson sold his ownership stake and left The Daily Caller, the right-wing news and opinion website he co-founded.

2020: End of Democratic Registration

In 2020, Tucker Carlson was no longer registered as a Democrat in Washington, D.C.

2020: Carlson Responds to Head Writer's Firing

In 2020, after his head writer, Neff, was fired for hateful blog posts, Tucker Carlson said the posts had "no connection to the show" and that "It is wrong to attack people for qualities they cannot control."

2020: Raising false allegations of fraud in the 2020 election

Throughout 2020, particularly before and after the election, Tucker Carlson promoted the idea that Democrats were manipulating mail-in voting and later raised false allegations of fraud after Joe Biden won the election in November. He mentioned purportedly dead individuals who voted in Georgia, but later apologized for the error. He distanced himself from Trump's legal fights, acknowledging that it would not produce a Trump victory.

January 26, 2021: Carlson brings on Mike Lindell to criticize Dominion Voting Systems

On January 26, 2021, Tucker Carlson brought on Mike Lindell of My Pillow to criticize Dominion Voting Systems. Lindell claimed that Dominion had "hired hit groups and bots and trolls" to target him after his Twitter account's suspension for promoting unfounded fraud claims.

February 2021: Carlson alleges white supremacists not responsible for January 6 attack

In February 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged that there was no evidence that white supremacists were responsible for the January 6 United States Capitol attack, after attorney general nominee Merrick Garland pledged to supervise the prosecution of "white supremacists and others" involved. PolitiFact rated Carlson's claim false, citing evidence of rioters with ties to white supremacist groups.

February 2021: Carlson announces 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 sister streaming service Fox Nation.

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March 2021: Carlson ridicules maternity flight suits for U.S. women soldiers

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". He was rebuked by the U.S. military for his comments.

March 2021: Carlson Blames Colonial Powers for Latin American Immigration Crisis

In March 2021, Tucker Carlson stated that the Latin American immigration crisis should be blamed on "other colonial powers centuries ago" and suggested that the Spanish government should "start by sending back the gold now sitting in its central bank."

June 2021: Carlson promotes conspiracy theory about Capitol storming

In June 2021, Tucker Carlson promoted a conspiracy theory alleging that the Capitol storming was a "false flag" FBI operation. He claimed that unindicted co-conspirators in rioters' indictments were government agents. Legal experts refuted this claim. Carlson also said Russian president Vladimir Putin raised "fair questions" about the Capitol attack.

June 21, 2021: Reported as Media Source for Journalists Writing Critically of Trump

On June 21, 2021, New York Times reporter Ben Smith reported that Tucker Carlson was a media source for several journalists and authors, including Michael Isikoff, Michael Wolff, Brian Stelter, and others who wrote critically of Donald Trump.

June 28, 2021: Carlson accuses NSA of spying

On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged on his program that a U.S. government whistleblower informed him that the National Security Agency (NSA) was monitoring his electronic communications and planning to leak them to remove his show from the air. He claimed the Biden administration was spying on him.

July 2021: Criticism of Republican Party

In July 2021, Carlson told Time magazine that the Republican Party is "inept and bad at governing" and "much more effective as an oppositional force than it is as a governing party".

July 2021: Time article discusses Carlson's use of innuendo

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

July 2021: Carlson suggests voter fraud in Fulton County, Georgia

In July 2021, Tucker Carlson suggested that there was meaningful voter fraud in Fulton County, Georgia, during the November election, despite the state's election results being validated. PolitiFact found that Carlson's evidence did not substantiate his conclusion.

August 2021: Traveled to Hungary and praised Viktor Orbán

In August 2021, Tucker Carlson traveled to Hungary and praised Viktor Orbán for rejecting asylum seekers, while also ridiculing the idea that Orbán was authoritarian. He spoke at a conference sponsored by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium.

August 2021: Release of The Long Slide

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

The Long Slide: Thirty Years in American Journalism
The Long Slide: Thirty Years in American Journalism

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 NSA was monitoring his communications, following reports that he had been unmasked after being mentioned by third parties under surveillance.

October 2021: Release of Patriot Purge

In October 2021, Tucker Carlson released "Patriot Purge", a three-part series on Fox Nation, which suggested the January 6 attack was a government false flag operation. Fact-checkers found the series contained numerous falsehoods and conspiracy theories, leading to criticism and resignations from Fox News contributors.

November 2021: Daily Mail publishes Hunter Biden Emails

In November 2021, The Daily Mail published emails from Hunter Biden's laptop, revealing a friendship between him and Tucker Carlson.

December 2021: Carlson bemoans the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men

In December 2021, Tucker Carlson commented on the difference between men and women and how society is built on these differences, while despairing the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men.

2021: Time Magazine calls Carlson "most powerful conservative in America"

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

2021: Carlson belittles 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 learning to breastfeed.

2021: Carlson Describes Demographic Replacement as 'The Great Replacement'

In 2021, Tucker Carlson described Democrats seeking "demographic replacement" to increase their voter base as "the Great Replacement", using white nationalist terminology.

2021: Carlson included in Time 100

In 2021, Tucker Carlson was included in the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. A former NewsCorp executive described Carlson as having some impunity within Fox News.

2021: Carlson's influence in right-wing media

In 2021, Tucker Carlson was viewed as one of the leading voices in right-wing media, known for bringing far-right viewpoints into mainstream American politics. He was described as possibly the most powerful conservative in America by Time, and Mediaite named him the most influential person in news media.

2021: Published The Long Slide

In 2021, Tucker Carlson wrote The Long Slide.

2021: Named in Dominion Voting Systems Lawsuit

In 2021, during the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network defamation lawsuit, Tucker Carlson was among the hosts named for broadcasting false statements about the plaintiff company's voting machines.

2021: Tucker Carlson Tonight remains top cable news program

In the week following the inauguration of Joe Biden as president, Tucker Carlson Tonight remained the only cable news program not to see a drop in viewership. It remained the most-watched news-related cable show as of mid-2021.

January 6, 2022: Ted Cruz apologizes to Tucker Carlson

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

January 2022: Released the film Hungary vs. Soros on Fox Nation

In January 2022, Tucker Carlson released the film Hungary vs. Soros on Fox Nation, promoting conspiracy theories about Soros. The Open Society Foundations called the film "anti-American propaganda".

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February 2022: Carlson supports 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". He also claimed that some U.S. officials were overstating the deadliness of the virus and mentioned ivermectin as a possible treatment.

February 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Vladimir Putin launched the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This event was mentioned in the context of Tucker Carlson's February 2024 interview with Putin being his first one-on-one with a Western journalist since the invasion.

April 2022: New York Times publishes "American Nationalist"

In April 2022, The New York Times published a three-part investigative series on Tucker Carlson called "American Nationalist," documenting his rise to prominence and his rhetoric on immigration, race relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Carlson responded by saying he had not read the series and denied allegations about obsessing over ratings.

May 2022: Tucker Carlson Tonight remains top cable news program

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

August 2022: Carlson deposed in Dominion Voting Systems 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. Texts revealed Carlson privately doubted the claims and mocked Trump advisors.

September 2022: Carlson speaks at Sonny Barger's funeral

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

September 2022: Carlson Praises the British Empire After Queen Elizabeth II's Death

In September 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Tucker Carlson opined that the British Empire, although "not perfect", had brought civilization to regions it occupied with "decency unmatched by any empire in human history."

October 11, 2022: Vice publishes leaked unaired footage of Kanye West interview

On October 11, 2022, Vice's Motherboard released leaked unaired footage from Tucker Carlson's interview with Kanye West. In the footage, West made antisemitic statements, expressed Black Hebrew Israelite views, claimed he had received a COVID-19 vaccine, and alleged child actors were planted in his home to sexualize his children. This leak intensified scrutiny of West's antisemitic remarks and put Tucker Carlson's platforming of antisemitism in the spotlight.

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.

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November 2022: Scrutiny of inflammatory rhetoric after Colorado Springs nightclub shooting

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

2022: Carlson Airs Interview with Ye (Kanye West) on "White Lives Matter" Shirts

In 2022, Tucker Carlson aired an edited interview with Ye (Kanye West) who discussed wearing "White Lives Matter" shirts and stated, "It just represents life. I'm pro-life"; he claimed without evidence "that there are more Black babies being aborted than born in New York City at this point."

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. The episode featured Raw Egg Nationalist, a pseudonymous author affiliated with neo-Nazi publishing house Antelope Hill.

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2022: Defended Vladimir Putin in lead-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

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

2022: Carlson Responds to Criticism on Race

In 2022, in response to The New York Times publishing a report criticizing Carlson and his show, Carlson said that his show did not have a controversial opinion on race, stating that he believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s ideals and that people should be judged by their actions, not by their skin color.

2022: Carlson loath to acknowledge factual errors

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

2022: Buffalo Shooting

In 2022, the Buffalo shooting invoked Carlson's endorsement of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.

2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine

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

2022: Downplayed Russia's military buildup and promoted pro-Russian disinformation

In early 2022, Tucker Carlson downplayed Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's borders and promoted pro-Russian disinformation, such as a conspiracy theory about U.S. and Kyiv developing biological weapons in Ukraine. His broadcasts were used by Russian state media.

2022: Carlson buys second home in Florida

In the summer of 2022, Tucker Carlson bought a second home next door to his house on Gasparilla Island, Florida.

March 2023: Defense of Trump after indictment

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

March 2023: Carlson discusses private texts and feelings about Trump

In March 2023, Tucker Carlson said he was "enraged that my private texts were pulled" for the Dominion court case. He also asserted he loved Trump and thought he was funny and insightful, despite previous texts stating "I hate him passionately".

March 2023: Attorney demands retraction of statements about Ray Epps

In March 2023, an attorney for Ray Epps demanded a public retraction from Tucker Carlson of "false and defamatory statements." Carlson had repeatedly promoted a conspiracy theory that Epps was a federal agent who instigated the January 6 attack, leading to threats and harassment against Epps and his wife.

April 2023: Fox News Canceled Tucker Carlson Tonight

In April 2023, Fox News canceled Tucker Carlson Tonight, which led Carlson to launch his own program, The Tucker Carlson Show.

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April 24, 2023: Fox News dismisses Carlson

On April 24, 2023, Fox News dismissed Carlson and the executive producer of his evening show. On April 26, Carlson responded to his departure by tweeting a video.

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

On May 9, 2023, Carlson announced he would relaunch his show on Twitter. Carlson's attorneys alleged that Rupert Murdoch and other senior executives "intentionally" broke their promises to him. Fox News reportedly sent him a cease and desist after the first episode aired.

June 6, 2023: First episode of Tucker on Twitter released

On June 6, 2023, the first episode of the show, called Tucker on Twitter, was released. During the episode, Carlson made controversial claims.

June 2023: Carlson seeks funds to start new media company

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

August 2023: Carlson visits Hungary and meets with Serbian officials

In August 2023, Tucker Carlson visited Hungary and the Embassy of Serbia in Budapest, meeting with Serbian Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić, Minister of Finance Siniša Mali, and President Aleksandar Vučić.

August 23, 2023: Carlson Hosts Trump on Tucker on X

On August 23, 2023, Tucker Carlson hosted Donald Trump on Tucker on X, deliberately to conflict with the first 2024 Republican debate.

September 6, 2023: Carlson interviews Larry Sinclair on X

On September 6, 2023, Tucker Carlson interviewed Larry Sinclair, who claimed that he had "had a night of crack cocaine-fueled sex with Barack Obama" 24 years before. The interview was criticized by many.

September 2023: Carlson interviews man claiming to have had sex with Barack Obama

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

October 2023: Guest hosts fill Carlson's old slot.

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

November 2023: Retraction of Fiallo's Article after Carlson's Appearance with Abascal

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

2023: Release of the biography Tucker

In 2023, Chadwick Moore released the biography "Tucker", written with Carlson's help, detailing his exit from Fox News. However, the book performed poorly in sales.

2023: Criticized New Jersey and New York's use of wind power

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 that it has been contributing to the deaths of whales.

2023: Carlson airs security footage from Capitol attack

In early 2023, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave Tucker Carlson exclusive access to security surveillance video from the day of the Capitol attack. Carlson subsequently aired portions of it on his show, portraying the event as "peaceful chaos" and criticizing other media outlets. This segment was condemned by 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 Russian president Vladimir Putin since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

May 2024: Launch of The Tucker Carlson Show podcast

In May 2024, Tucker Carlson launched "The Tucker Carlson Show", a weekly commentary podcast. Despite initial reports of diminished popularity, the podcast quickly became highly rated.

July 2024: "The Tucker Carlson Show" becomes #1 podcast on Spotify

By July 2024, "The Tucker Carlson Show" became the #1 most popular political podcast on Spotify.

August 1, 2024: Release of Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, and Whelan

On August 1, 2024, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan were released as part of a prisoner exchange. This happened after Tucker Carlson raised the issue of imprisoned American journalists during his interview with Putin.

September 2, 2024: Darryl Cooper's Holocaust denial on Tucker on X

On September 2, 2024, Tucker Carlson hosted podcaster Darryl Cooper on Tucker on X. Cooper endorsed Holocaust denial and other departures from historical consensus regarding World War II, causing controversy.

2024: Dismissal of climate change link to hurricanes

In 2024, Carlson dismissed the link between climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, attributing it instead to abortion, which he compared to ritual sacrifice.

2024: Carlson shares belief that he was mauled by a demon

In 2024, Tucker Carlson shared with a documentary producer that he believes that he was mauled by a demon while in bed, leaving him bleeding. A few days later, he claimed that nuclear technology was created by demons.

2024: Carlson considers a presidential run in 2028

In 2024, Tucker Carlson stated on his podcast that he would consider running for president in 2028, but conceded he might not be very good at it.

January 2025: Carlson debates Piers Morgan, repeats disinformation about Yugoslav Wars

In January 2025, Tucker Carlson debated British journalist Piers Morgan and repeated disinformation regarding the Yugoslav Wars, especially about Serbia's role and the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

September 2025: Carlson Criticizes Pam Bondi for Suppressing Free Speech

In September 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for attempting to exploit the assassination of Charlie Kirk to suppress free speech in the United States.

October 28, 2025: Hosting Nick Fuentes and ensuing controversy

On October 28, 2025, Tucker Carlson hosted white nationalist Nick Fuentes. The Heritage Foundation's defense of Carlson ignited a debate about antisemitism among conservatives, drawing condemnation from Republicans like Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell.

November 2025: Promoted chemtrail conspiracy theory

In November 2025, Tucker Carlson promoted the chemtrail conspiracy theory.

December 2025: Named "Antisemite of the Year" by StopAntisemitism

In December 2025, the pro-Israel and Jewish advocacy group StopAntisemitism called Tucker Carlson "Antisemite of the Year" for several remarks he made in 2025 that were critical of Israel and allegedly antisemitic.

2025: Death of Dick Carlson

In 2025, Dick Carlson, Tucker Carlson's father, passed away.

2025: Criticized the Trump administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war

In 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized the Trump administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war and opposed the possible involvement of the United States in a war with Iran. He stated that America should not imperil national security, the economy, or America itself on Israel's behalf.

February 2026: Visited Israel and claimed detention by airport security

In February 2026, Tucker Carlson visited Israel and claimed he and his team were detained and questioned by Israeli airport security before departing the country, though Israeli authorities and the United States Embassy in Jerusalem stated it was routine passport control. Footage showed Carlson smiling and posing with airport staff.

March 2, 2026: Trump declares Carlson and Kelly "aren't MAGA"

On March 2, 2026, in a phone interview, Donald Trump declared that both Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, who criticized Trump's Iran policy, "aren't MAGA."

March 5, 2026: Trump says "Tucker has lost his way"

On March 5, 2026, it was revealed that Donald Trump told Jonathan Karl of ABC News that "Tucker has lost his way," and is "not MAGA," leading to Carlson claiming he was annoyed with Trump, though he stated he would always love him.

March 2026: Carlson on possible presidential run

In March 2026, during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Tucker Carlson did not rule out a presidential run, stating he might run just to debate Ted Cruz.

2026: Accused Israel of starting the Iran war

Regarding the 2026 Iran war, Tucker Carlson stated that “This happened because Israel wanted it to happen. This is Israel’s war. This is not the United States’ war,” and accused the conflict of being started by "lies" spread by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

2028: Carlson considers a presidential run

In 2024, Tucker Carlson mentioned that he would consider running for president in 2028, but conceded he might not be very good at it.