Tucker Carlson Apologizes for Supporting Trump, Cites Regret Over “Misleading People”

Conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson issued a public apology on April 20, 2026, saying he regrets his role in supporting Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Speaking on The Tucker Carlson Show during a conversation with his brother, Buckley Carlson, he said he feels responsible for helping shape public opinion in a way he now questions.

“I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional, that’s all I’ll say,” Carlson said. He added that he expects to carry that regret for a long time, noting that he and other prominent Trump supporters are “implicated” in the current political situation.

Carlson also acknowledged that he ignored warning signs about Trump’s character during the 2024 campaign. He said he and others chose to overlook what he described as “signs of low character,” and questioned whether current developments were predictable.

The apology follows a growing split between Carlson and Trump that has intensified in recent months. A key point of disagreement has been U.S. military action against Iran in February 2026. Carlson has strongly criticized the strikes, arguing they contradict Trump’s earlier promises to avoid foreign wars.

Tensions escalated further in April after Carlson criticized Trump’s public attacks on Pope Leo XIV, who had spoken against the Iran conflict. Carlson also reacted to a social media post in which Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, calling the behavior disturbing.

Trump has responded publicly, dismissing Carlson as a “low IQ person” and “highly overrated.” The exchange reflects a broader breakdown in their once-aligned messaging.

The dispute has also had personal consequences. Carlson’s son, Buckley Carlson, resigned last week from his role as deputy press secretary to Vice President JD Vance amid the ongoing conflict.

Carlson’s remarks come at a time when divisions are becoming more visible within conservative media. Other commentators, including Megyn Kelly and Alex Jones, have also drawn criticism from Trump in recent weeks. Analysts say these disputes may signal a wider shift as some media figures distance themselves from the administration, particularly over foreign policy decisions that differ from earlier “America First” positions.