Lead

Tucker Carlson, the conservative commentator and former Fox News host, said he intends to help build a new political party in the United States, describing the existing two-party system as a "one-party state posing as a democracy." In an interview published Wednesday by the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), Carlson said he would not run as a candidate for the new party, quipping that he would only appear on the ballot "on the pro-patriarchy ticket."

"We need a third party," Carlson said, according to the Jerusalem Post. "I'm going to help build a third party."

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian reported that Carlson gave scant detail about the party, leaving it unclear whether he was referring to a concrete project or merely musing. The outlet noted that Carlson has a habit of thinking out loud and did not elaborate on the proposal. The Jerusalem Post also focused on Carlson's announcement, highlighting his sarcastic comment about the "pro-patriarchy ticket" and his criticism of both Republicans and Democrats.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, framed the story around Carlson's refusal to support the Republican Party, quoting him as saying, "I would not support the Republican Party. There's no chance I would support the Republican Party." TASS reported that Carlson made those remarks in an interview with the Can't Be Censored podcast, while The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post attributed his comments to the CJR interview.

The three outlets agree on Carlson's central message: he is frustrated with the major parties and wants to create an alternative. They differ slightly in emphasis, with The Guardian noting the ambiguity of his proposal and TASS focusing on his break with the GOP.

Key Claims

  • Carlson said he plans to help build a third party but will not run as a candidate himself. This was reported by The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.
  • He criticized the Republican and Democratic parties for being in "lockstep solidarity" with each other, as quoted by The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Carlson expressed frustration with the Trump administration's war with Iran, a point echoed by all three outlets.
  • The Jerusalem Post reported that Carlson described Israel's June 2025 war with Iran as a "regime-change effort led by Israel."
  • TASS reported that Carlson said he would not support the Republican Party, saying it puts the interests of a foreign country above those of US citizens.
  • The Guardian noted that Carlson has expressed regret for previously supporting Donald Trump, and last week said there was "no chance" he would support Republicans or Democrats in the midterm elections.

Perspectives

Tucker Carlson

Carlson argues that the two-party system fails American voters, citing the bipartisan support for the war with Iran as evidence of "lockstep solidarity." He says he will work to build a third party, though he has not provided specifics about its platform or structure.

The Guardian's analysis

The Guardian frames Carlson's proposal as vague, noting that he may be merely "musing" rather than launching a concrete effort. The outlet also highlights the apparent contradiction with his earlier remarks to the New York Times in May, in which he suggested there should be a party.