Tucker Carlson, the host of Tucker Carlson Tonight, has been dismissed from Fox News after two controversies in his years at the network. The dismissal comes amid a series of high-stakes and legal battles emanating from Fox’s postelection campaign to placate Mr. Trump's base and win back viewers who believed that his defeat was a sham.
Carlson had proved capable of withstanding controversy after controversy, but Fox stuck by him due to his loyalty to the Murdoch family. He is no longer counted among the most influential figures among Fox News figures, and his show frequently promoted the Kremlin's point of view.
Fox has thrust their efforts into denying or overturning election results in an attempt to appease former President Trump. In response to news about Carlson's departure, Trump said he was surprised: "I thought he was a very good person and talented." No further details were provided by Fox News on Carlson’s departure beyond a statement thanking him for his work for the company.
On Monday night, political commentator Brian Kilmeade filled in for Tucker Carlson on Fox News Tonight. Kilmeade introduced the show by reminding viewers that Carlson and the network agreed to "part ways" before jumping into other segments. This leaves open speculation as to who will replace him on this prime-time slot at 8 p.m.
The last episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight aired Friday night; following which no more content will be produced for Fox News by him_. His_ departure came just hours after CNN announced they had fired host Don Lemon.. After remaining silent on social media platforms regarding future plans_,_ _Carlson posted a cryptic ad on his website hinting at possible next moves.
With several prominent Republican figures declaring candidacy for 2024 presidential race including Vivek Ramaswamy, former President Donald Trump himself_,_ and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, there has been speculation about Tucker Carlson announcing a bid for the White House. Ramaswamy praised the former Fox News host's ability to "defect from party orthodoxy when necessary."
Former Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, who was forced out in 2017, believes that Tucker Carlson's ouster will have a negative impact on the GOP and on the 2024 presidential election. He pointed out that Carlson focused his show on Americans of the "committed right" and noted that Fox News was run based on "fiefdoms" with each program having its own unique style.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Carlson faces an ongoing lawsuit from ex-producer Abby Grossberg who sued him and other Fox executives in March.