Prominent U.S. Conservative Commentator Tucker Carlson Leaves Republican Party, Signaling Growing Rifts in MAGA Movement

Tucker Carlson, a prominent U.S. conservative commentator and former ally of President Donald Trump, has announced his departure from the Republican Party, claiming the party prioritizes Israel's security interests over those of the United States.

Analysts suggest this move signals an accelerating rift within the so-called MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, which serves as a core base of support for Trump.

According to the U.S. online media outlet Axios on June 22 (local time), Carlson stated on his recent podcast that the Republican Party no longer reflects his views and that he would be leaving the party.

Carlson, who described himself as a staunch supporter of the Republican Party for the past 35 years, emphasized, "If I leave, many people will leave," adding, "There is zero chance I will support the Republican Party."

He cited the party's "betrayal" of voters by prioritizing Israel's security over American security as the reason for his departure.

"How can you support a party that doesn't care about the United States, that puts the interests of a foreign country above the interests of its own people?" he said. "I can't vote for them, and I won't vote."

Carlson added that he would not support the Democratic Party either, noting that he is still undecided on who he will vote for.

Known for his strong conservative and anti-interventionist views, Carlson is a former Fox News anchor and is considered a key influencer within the MAGA movement.

Although he was a close ally who fully supported and helped Trump win during the last U.S. presidential election, he has effectively parted ways with President Trump over the airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent war.

In an interview with the media in late April, Carlson expressed a sense of "betrayal," claiming that President Trump had broken his campaign promise of "no new wars" and had succumbed to the influence of neoconservatives and Israel.

Regarding Carlson's departure from the Republican Party, Axios reported that it highlights growing cracks within the MAGA coalition built by President Trump, stating, "His handling of the war in Iran and the economy continues to cause divisions among Republicans."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.