Tucker Carlson, once a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, now argues for Trump’s immediate removal from office. Carlson cited the threat of nuclear weapon use amid the U.S. military’s ongoing conflict with Iran as the primary reason. In an episode of ‘The Tucker Carlson Show,’ he expressed his alarm over potential nuclear escalation in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Carlson noted his previous opposition to impeachment attempts against Trump, describing those efforts as “absurd.” However, he now believes consideration of nuclear weapon use represents a “red line.” He stated, “Destroying all of humanity with a nuclear strike? So why isn’t there an attempt to remove him from office, like immediately?” Carlson emphasized that any leader proposing the first use of nuclear weapons should be disqualified from leadership, underscoring what he believes to be a “fair standard.”
Newsweek sought comment from the White House but did not receive a response at the time. Carlson claimed that tactical nuclear weapon discussions have occurred at the Pentagon and accused Trump of suggesting their use against Iran.
Carlson noted Trump’s April warning, stating “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to meet U.S. demands, interpreting it as a nuclear threat.
“Carlson’s Break With Trump”
Carlson’s statements reflect a growing divide with Trump, fueled by U.S. foreign policy disagreements and the Iranian conflict. In June, Carlson announced his break from the Republican Party, revealing plans to support the formation of a third party.
Earlier this month, Carlson identified nuclear war and artificial intelligence as history’s “two biggest threats,” criticizing global leaders for inadequate responses.
“Trump and Nuclear Weapons”
Trump’s rhetoric has come under scrutiny as U.S.-Iran tensions heighten. He has consistently warned against Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump’s April ultimatum to Iran, stating “a whole civilization will die tonight,” intensified discussions on nuclear threats. Despite this, Trump later explicitly dismissed using nuclear weapons against Iran, asserting they are unnecessary and should remain unused.
Speculation about tactical nuclear weapon use against Iran emerged in June. Fox News reported, citing a White House official, that the administration kept all options open, considering military action against Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. Concurrently, The Guardian reported Trump had ruled out such action. At that time, the Pentagon declined Newsweek’s request for comment.
Trump’s broader nuclear commentary has also captured attention. Last year, he suggested a potential resumption of U.S. nuclear weapon testing after a three-decade pause, proposing “equal basis” testing alongside Russia and China.
The U.S. has abstained from nuclear weapon detonation since 1992. Despite limited details, Trump expressed interest in “denuclearization” and “de-escalation.”
To learn more about this story, contact Newsweek editors Edward T. Cummins.