Washington, D.C. — Tucker Carlson, once a prominent voice for conservative media, has publicly apologized for his role in supporting Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, expressing regret that has shocked many of his followers. During a recent episode of “The Tucker Carlson Show,” he admitted to misleading his audience and indicated that he will be haunted by his actions for years to come.
In a candid discussion with his brother Buckley, who previously served as a speechwriter for Trump, Carlson emphasized, “I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional.” This apology marks a significant departure for the former Fox News host, especially in light of recent events that have deepened the rift between Carlson and Trump.
The tensions escalated after Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran that spanned from late February to early April 2026. The mission, which targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure, drew strong criticism from Carlson, who labeled the actions as a betrayal of Trump’s supporters who hoped to avoid foreign conflicts. He condemned the operation as “absolutely disgusting and evil,” suggesting that it was executed primarily at Israel’s request.
Both Carlson and Buckley took responsibility for contributing to Trump’s political resurgence. Buckley referred to Trump as an “out-of-control, megalomaniacal, destructive president” and hinted at the possibility of Congress invoking the 25th Amendment to address the president’s behavior. Carlson concurred, stating, “You and I and everyone else who supported him… are implicated in this for sure.”
Carlson’s apology also highlighted a moment of introspection regarding their decision to support Trump despite early warnings about his character. “We knew that there were signs of low character,” he noted, acknowledging the naiveté of their earlier beliefs.
In response to the backlash, Trump did not hold back, launching a scathing attack on social media. In a lengthy post, he dismissed Carlson as a “broken man” and noted that he had never been the same since parting ways with Fox News. The former president’s remarks painted a picture of contention, further straining their once-allied relationship.
Meanwhile, commentary surrounding Carlson’s apology has been critical. Among notable voices, the hosts of “The View” contended that Carlson’s actions were driven by self-interest rather than genuine remorse. Some went so far as to describe his apology as opportunistic, suggesting that he simply seeks to regain favor among a shifting political landscape.
Recent polls indicate a decline in Carlson’s favorability among Republicans, shrinking to just 31% as of late March. Despite this downturn, his podcast episode has garnered over 500,000 views, signaling that there remains a degree of interest in his perspectives.
Carlson is not alone in reevaluating his stance on Trump. Other figures, including Joe Rogan and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have also voiced criticism in varying degrees. Yet, none have assumed as much personal responsibility for Trump’s rise as Carlson has.
This transformation in Carlson’s narrative raises questions about the shifting alliances within the Republican Party and how key players grapple with the consequences of their past support for Trump. As the political atmosphere continues to evolve, Carlson’s apology may serve as a bellwether for more changes on the horizon.