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A Friday meeting between media personality Tucker Carlson and President Donald Trump at the White House has sparked backlash from some conservatives.
The meeting prompted a tirade of criticism from prominent MAGA influencer Laura Loomer, who argued that the optics could undermine Vice President J.D. Vance’s prospects for a potential 2028 presidential bid.
Why It MattersThe meeting comes amid splits among MAGA over U.S. foreign policy in Israel and the Middle East—divisions that could complicate President Trump’s balancing act if he seeks to unite both traditional Republicans and the Trump-aligned base ahead of the midterm elections.
What To KnowImages shared on social media by the Tucker Carlson Network showed Carlson, a prominent conservative commentator and former Fox News host, engaged in an exchange with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Also seen in the images was White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
This visit, which comes amid broader MAGA infighting, was condemned by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which stated that "Tucker Carlson should have no place in the White House. He’s amplified and platformed antisemitic narratives for years."
The outcry has centered on Carlson’s outspoken positions regarding U.S. policy in Israel and the Middle East. Carlson has challenged interventionist policies, clashing with other conservative figures.
Last spring, Fox News host Mark Levin called Carlson a “Nazi promoter” for hosting far-right commentator supremacist Nick Fuentes, per The Daily Mail, underscoring the rifts within conservative ranks.
The feud is not isolated. Figures such as Ben Shapiro, a conservative pundit, have used major conservative events like Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest to criticize Carlson, Candace Owens, and others on the right.
It also follows a public split between Trump and his former ally and Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who left office in January.
What People Are SayingLaura Loomer said on X, Friday: “Every time Tucker Carlson visits the White House, JD Vance gets less support for 2028. Has he read the comments online? I have tried to convey this to the VP.
“Read the room. Tucker Carlson is very bad for @JDVance’s 2028 Presidential prospects. When will it sink in?”
In another post, Loomer said: “Elevating Tucker Carlson is the quickest way to get @GavinNewsom as President in 2028.”
Mark Levin said on X Friday, in response to an image of Carlson standing beside Trump: “POTUS looks great! Who’s the weirdo standing next to him?”
Political analyst April Silverman said on X: “Trump knows what’s up. You know what they say. Keep your enemies closer. Looks like somebody got sent to the principal’s office.”
What Happens NextThe deepening feuds within MAGA could undermine the movement’s cohesion and its electoral power as both the midterms and the 2028 elections inch closer.