The departure of Buckley Carlson, son of Tucker Carlson, from Vice President Vance’s press team has unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tension between Tucker Carlson and President Trump. Buckley, who served as deputy press secretary, is now launching a political consulting firm, a move planned since late last year.
While the timing appears coincidental, it arrives as Trump relentlessly attacks Carlson following the former Fox News host’s criticisms of the administration’s policies, particularly regarding the volatile situation in Iran. The rift deepened as Carlson publicly challenged Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and strategic decisions.
Carlson directly confronted Trump over a particularly inflammatory Truth Social post directed at Iran, expressing outrage at the use of profanity on Easter morning. He questioned the president’s judgment, asking, “Who do you think you are?” and condemning the message as deeply inappropriate.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Carlson also took issue with Trump’s online posts featuring AI-generated images, including one depicting the president as Jesus Christ. He characterized these actions as mockery, specifically accusing Trump of ridiculing Christianity and faith itself.
Trump’s response was swift and characteristically blunt. He dismissed Carlson as “Low IQ” and “highly overrated,” a familiar insult he’s leveled against numerous opponents. This attack echoed previous condemnations of figures like Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Expanding on the insult, Trump accused Carlson and other critics – including Megyn Kelly and Alex Jones – of possessing “Low IQs” and being “stupid people” who have been ostracized by the media. He painted them as desperate for attention and lacking genuine commitment to his “MAGA” movement.
Carlson, however, responded with a surprising statement, expressing pity for the president. He described Trump as a prisoner of external forces, unable to act independently, and likened his situation to that of a “slave.” He acknowledged a continued fondness for Trump despite their public disagreement.
He elaborated, stating that Trump is “hemmed in by other forces” and lacks the autonomy to make his own decisions, describing the situation as “awful to watch.” This unusual expression of sympathy underscores the complex and increasingly personal nature of the conflict between the two influential figures.
