Tucker Carlson has decided to break away from the Republican Party, declaring he will no longer support the GOP after being one of its most prominent supporters for decades. While Carlson remains a key figure in conservative media, his rejection of the party points to a deeper divide within the right, especially as debates around U.S.–Israel policy and the Iran war intensify.
This departure could sway voters who have long followed Carlson’s commentary, potentially speeding up defections among Republicans uneasy with the party’s current foreign-policy stance. Carlson announced his decision during a June 18 appearance on the Can’t Be Censored podcast, stating the GOP has “betrayed” Americans by prioritizing foreign government interests over its own citizens. He emphatically said, “I would not support the Republican Party. There’s no chance I would support the Republican Party. I’m out.”
Why Carlson Says He’s Done With the GOP
Carlson criticized Republican leaders for placing loyalty to Israel above American interests. He accused the party of supporting President Trump’s Iran war under the influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Carlson, this conflict — which he claimed the U.S. has “effectively lost already” — served as conclusive proof that Washington had neglected its own citizens. On the podcast, he stated: “How could I or any American voter support a political party that’s not loyal to the United States? That puts the interests of a foreign country above those of its own citizens. It’s not possible to vote for people like that, and I’m not going to.”
Additionally, Carlson indicated that Trump’s 2024 campaign was financed by individuals with “loyalty to Israel,” leading to decisions he believes are misaligned with U.S. priorities.
Trump Has Dismissed the Idea that Israel Influenced His Iran Decisions
Trump has consistently denied that Israel directed his Iran strategy. In March, he remarked, “If anything, I might’ve forced Israel’s hand,” and recently asserted that Israel has “no choice” but to accept whatever deal he arranges with Iran. “I call the shots,” Trump told the Financial Times. “[Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots.”
A Dramatic Turn After Decades of GOP Loyalty
Carlson stressed that he has voted Republican his “entire life” and defended the party for 35 years. However, he now views the GOP’s current stance as “immoral” and incompatible with what he believes the country needs. This break follows months of escalating criticism of Trump over the Iran war, including suggesting the president could be the “antichrist,” reflecting a broader ideological realignment within the right.
What This Means for Conservative Voters
Carlson warned that if he is leaving the GOP, “a lot of other people are out” as well. His large audience across platforms like Tucker on X and the Tucker Carlson Network grants him the ability to influence Republican voter sentiment even from outside the party structure.
The move underscores a widening gap between traditional Republican leadership and populist-nationalist voices who argue the party has diverged from its stated America-first principles.
This is a developing story. For more information, contact Newsweek editors Gabe Whisnant and Gray R. Thomas.