Tucker Carlson shares eye-popping request from ex-Fox News bosses after ouster
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed Tuesday that his shock firing wasn't the last of his dealings with the powerful Murdoch family.
Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch reportedly fired Carlson — arguably the network's biggest star — over his conspiratorial coverage of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, in which he blamed government agents for provoking the attack.
A lawsuit by former producer Abby Grossberg accusing Carlson of harassment and retaliation was also reportedly a factor in the host's firing. Fox denied Grossberg's allegations but settled with her for $12 million.
During a new episode of his online program, "The Tucker Carlson Show," the host claimed that after he was fired, the Murdochs wanted him to run for president against Donald Trump last year.
“The Murdochs really hate Trump," Carlson said, despite allegations that Fox News tailors its news coverage to promote MAGA and the Trump agenda. Trump has tapped several Fox News alumni for his administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Carlson continued, "There’s no one who hates Trump more than the Murdochs. I got fired in April 2023. In May of 2023, they asked me to run for president against Trump and said they would back me. Obviously, I'm not running for any — you know, I would never get elected any — plus, I like Trump!"
Carlson burst into a fit of laughter, adding, "I mean, that's the funny thing is, I genuinely — I mean, I get frustrated. I'm frustrated now. But, I like Trump."
Trump and Carlson recently butted heads over whether to attack Iran or honor the president's "America First" campaign promise.
Carlson continued his story, saying he was approached by Murdoch's eldest son, Lachlan, about running against the then-former president.
"Lachlan Murdoch said, 'You should run for president; we'll back you." Carlson said.
He claimed that the Murdochs promised to dedicate the full force of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and other media powerhouses owned by the family if Carlson agreed to run.
"I was already gone, they already cancelled my show," Carlson continued. "I was still under contract, but they cancelled my show. 'You should run, we support you, you should run.'"