Conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson stated on Friday that President Trump should be removed from office if he actively considers the first use of nuclear weapons. Carlson argued that entertaining such a possibility should disqualify a president from serving, stating that the destruction of humanity must be the "red line."
The remarks were made during a conversation with Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent resigned from his post earlier this year in opposition to the war with Iran. Carlson noted that while he opposed both impeachment efforts against Trump during his first term, he questioned why a similar effort to remove the president would not be initiated immediately if he were weighing a nuclear strike, and suggested anyone who tolerates such talk from subordinates is unfit.
Carlson expressed concerns regarding the administration's policy toward Iran and new developments in Pentagon nuclear strategy. Earlier this month, Elbridge Colby, the Under Secretary of Defense for policy, stated that officials are working to provide the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with "credible, rational nuclear options." While Trump has not publicly stated he is considering a first strike, Kent suggested the administration might seek such alternatives if conventional military options in Iran fail to achieve desired outcomes.
The statements mark a public disagreement between Trump and Carlson, a former ally of the president and the MAGA movement. Trump previously criticized Carlson on Truth Social last week, calling him a "loser" following Carlson's meetings with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). No formal impeachment or removal proceedings have been announced in relation to Carlson's comments.