Former supporters of President Donald Trump recently gathered at Tucker Carlson’s home for a group photograph, urging him to seek the presidency as an independent candidate. Despite stating he has no intention of running, former U.S. counterterrorism chief Joe Kent confirmed pressure is mounting on the former Fox host to reconsider his stance.
Two days ago, Kent appeared on a recent program and affirmed plans for a third party are underway. Weeks ago, after Carlson left the GOP, he and former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced discussions to create that party. The Carlson-Greene departure from the GOP became permanent when President Trump initiated an illegal war with Iran on behalf of Israel. Carlson left the party in June over its groveling support for Israel, declaring, “I’m out” and stating there is “no chance” he would vote Republican in the future.
In a July interview, Carlson explained that enough is enough: “The lesson of the last two and a half months” led him to conclude that a third party must be built. “If you vote for Trump and still wind up in a regime-change war—if Chuck Schumer is strongly behind Trump’s foreign policy, which he is—we need options,” Carlson said. “I’m just too young to accept that we’ll let the most unscrupulous people rule.” He added, “We need a third party” and pledged to help build one.
Greene described her vision for an “America-focused party that doesn’t fall into the traps of Democrats and Republicans,” emphasizing it would align serious players across political spectrums. She stressed such a movement requires broad public participation: “It’s not going to be a couple of players like Tucker and I who can roll up our sleeves and get this done.” When asked whether she, Carlson, and others could operate within the GOP, Greene responded, “We already did that. We thought we did that in 2024.”
Kent reiterated that Americans right and left are “sick and tired” of both major parties, noting most lack understanding of global conflicts: “They don’t know about Gaza, they don’t know about the Strait of Hormuz. They just know billions of their taxpayer dollars, blood, and treasure continue to be sent overseas.” He explained that regardless of who voters choose, powerful foreign lobbying groups dictate policies sending “our best and brightest off to fight and die on foreign battlefields,” while inflating taxes and debt.
The group at Carlson’s home included Kent, Greene, and outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. They discussed building a coalition opposing foreign wars and foreign influence but did not specify leadership for the new party. Kent stated all had previously encouraged Carlson to run but acknowledged he remains publicly committed to not seeking office. The group also outlined plans to secure ballot access across all 50 states and raise funds without corporate contributions.
Greene wrote, “Our commitment is America First for all Americans, right, left, and center.” Carlson responded: “MAGA was betrayed. We all were. It’s time for a new path forward.” With over 17.8 million followers, Carlson will discuss the movement tonight at 6 p.m.
By R. Cort Kirkwood, a former newspaper editor