Tucker Carlson’s Disdain for Trump Revealed in Court Filings
A recent court filing has brought to light a surprising revelation from Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who reportedly expressed deep animosity toward former President Donald Trump after the 2020 presidential election. The text message, dated January 4, 2021, was disclosed as part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News, which alleges that the network spread unfounded claims of election fraud during and after the election.
In his message to a colleague, Carlson stated, “I hate him passionately,” underscoring his strong feelings against the soon-to-be-ex president just days before the infamous Capitol riots, which aimed to obstruct the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. In another part of the same message, he expressed hope of being able to ignore Trump on most nights, saying, “We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly can’t wait.”
Contradictory Public and Private Opinions
The contents of Carlson’s texts contrast sharply with his on-air persona, where he has often praised Trump and his administration’s achievements. Privately, however, he appeared to acknowledge that the Trump presidency had been more of a challenge than a triumph, referring to the past four years as “a disaster” and lamenting the inability to confront the reality of Trump’s tenure.
Dominion Voting Systems argues in its lawsuit that high-ranking executives and several prominent hosts at Fox were aware of the falsehood of the claims being circulated by Trump and his allies but continued to broadcast these narratives. Previous court documents have indicated that even Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire owner of Fox News, recognized that some of the network’s most prominent figures endorsed misleading allegations about the election.
Fox News’s Response
In response to these recent disclosures, Fox News issued a statement claiming that Dominion is “using distortions and misinformation” to undermine the network in a campaign to suppress free speech and press freedom. This legal battle is expected to reach a jury trial in Delaware slated to begin in April.
As Carlson’s texts have surfaced, the host has found himself embroiled in renewed criticism over his portrayal of events surrounding the Capitol riot, which took place two years ago. On a recent broadcast, he showcased previously unseen security-camera footage, arguing that it did not depict an insurrection, but rather “mostly peaceful chaos.” This characterization has faced rebuke not only from Democrats but also from certain Republicans, law enforcement officials, and the family of a police officer who died in connection with the events of that day.
Key Players in the Lawsuit
| Entity | Role | Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Tucker Carlson | Fox News Host | Released negative texts about Trump |
| Dominion Voting Systems | Plaintiff | Accuses Fox News of defamation |
| Rupert Murdoch | Owner of Fox News | Acknowledged false claims by hosts |
As the legal proceedings continue, the repercussions of Carlson’s candid thoughts and the broader implications for Fox News are sure to be a point of ongoing discussion and scrutiny.
