Tucker Carlson calls for Trump’s removal over potential nuclear first strike

Monday 31 August 2026 - 09:15

By: Azzat Manal

Tucker Carlson calls for Trump’s removal over potential nuclear first strike

American journalist Tucker Carlson has called for the removal of President Donald Trump from office if he were to consider launching a first nuclear strike, arguing that even contemplating such an action would justify immediate political consequences.

Carlson made the remarks during a conversation with Joe Kent, a former director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned over his opposition to the war with Iran. Although Carlson has previously rejected efforts to impeach Trump, he argued that the possibility of using nuclear weapons first would represent a fundamentally different situation.

The comments highlight the growing disagreements between Carlson and Trump over US foreign policy. Carlson, once closely associated with Trump and the MAGA movement, has become increasingly critical of military intervention and has openly opposed the US war with Iran.

Carlson has also expressed concern about discussions surrounding the development of new nuclear strategies within the Pentagon. US officials have described efforts to provide the president with additional nuclear options as part of a broader strategy designed to ensure that Washington has credible responses to different security scenarios.

Kent has similarly raised concerns about the possibility of the administration considering unconventional military measures if conventional operations fail to achieve its objectives in Iran.

However, there is no public evidence that Trump has announced plans to launch a first nuclear strike. Carlson's comments therefore focus on what he considers an unacceptable hypothetical scenario rather than a confirmed presidential policy.

Relations between Trump and Carlson have also become increasingly strained. Trump recently criticized the journalist on his Truth Social platform, calling him a “loser” after Carlson met with several Republican lawmakers. The exchange underscored the widening divide between the president and a former ally who remains influential among parts of the American conservative movement.

The dispute reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party over US military policy, intervention abroad and the role of nuclear weapons. While Trump has retained strong support among many conservative voters, figures such as Carlson have increasingly questioned the administration's approach to foreign conflicts and national security.