Donald Trump interview live updates: Ex-president teams up with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson
And that's a wrap
Now that we've come to the end, the question is, 'where do we begin?' Let's start with the superficial. Donald Trump looks, sounds and moves like an older man. At 77 years old, the former President is no spring chicken that's clear, but this is about more than that.
Aside from his physical appearance and gesticulation, there were also moments where he seemed to go on Segways without any destination, while in others he seemed to start points in the middle of an explanation that the viewer had not heard. Then there was what he actually spoke about. It would be accurate to say that Trump's hour long conversation with Tucker Carlson was largely a platform on which he aired his lingering grievances about the election he lost, attacked a few political opponents including current president, Joe Biden, and of course promoted the good things he did and could do once again for the American people.
To be clear, I don't believe that any other politician - republican or democrat - would differ if given such an opportunity in such a context, but it's clear that Trump though older, is very much the same as he's always been. As for Carlson who was largely a passenger on Trump's ride, the former conservative superstar didn't press Trump on any issue, nor did he contest any of his claims. On the other hand, with Trump defining his idea of loyalty as he spoke of those who crossed him in Washington, one has to believe such a move on Carlson's part wouldn't have gone over well.
Ultimately, while Trump had the floor to himself unlike his possible opponents in the Republican primary who had their first debate tonight, he didn't exactly give any real insight into his policies going forward, nor did he explain how he would deliver on the few that he touched on. Now, while one may argue that he never really has before, it's concerning going forward especially when he himself acknowledged that the United States is in a very delicate place right now in terms of the political divide.
It's almost certain that his comments tonight will be dissected and probed a million times over before the week is out, but if there's one take away that was received tonight, it's that Donald Trump is going to do it his way and for the moment he's got reason - the polls - to believe that's the way to do it. The only question is whether the political establishment will allow him to do so once again because for the moment, their attempts to stop him from doing so are only increasing support for him.
"If you're elected again, what's your number one priority?" - Tucker Carlson
:"A Border," Trump said as he proceeded to talk about the problem the U.S.A. faces with its southern border and his proposed wall. "...they're emptying out their prisons all over South America."
"Whatever happened to Mike Pence?" - Tucker Carlson
Credit should be given here due to the fact that Trump didn't enter into an outright attack on the former Vice President, though he did state he was "very disappointed in him." Yet, perhaps what really catches the eye is his reference to the fact that the Democrats told Pence he didn't have the right to send his votes back to the legislatures, something which Trump demanded in the time immediately after the election. That Pence didn't is the product of "bad advice" Trump believes as he admitted he hasn't spoken to Pence in quite some time.
"If I didn't fire Comey, maybe I wouldn't be here talking to you." - Donald Trump
This came in the context of Carlson asking how Trump would control the agencies of the U.S.A. - specifically the FBI and CIA - if he were to take office again. While we can't necessarily say it's admission of guilt or an example of a President abusing his executive power, what is clear is that the threat to his office was very real as he clearly acknowledges.
"Why does the EPA have the power to decide how much water your washing machine uses?" -Tucker Carlson
This was interesting for me, because I got the sense that Carlson was trying to get at something of general importance to the American people rather than a representation of a specific political view, something which appears to have been lost on Trump, who simply took it as an another opportunity to endorse himself. "...I freed all of that up," he said.
Water restriction is a no no
Another topic that clearly touched a nerve with Trump was water or rather the lack thereof. Indeed, the former president believes that the restrictions placed on water usage in parts of the country is just not OK, especially if one wants to "wash their beautiful hair."
Trump's take on electric cars is...ye...
In another moment of digression, the former president spoke of a number of topics related to what he believes are "radical left lunatics" who have inundated the country with windmills and electric cars, something he thinks just isn't right. "...Who wants to not be able to use a gas stove or have to drive an electric car."
The Panama Canal is a problem for Trump
I've got to say that the former president's meandering commentary about the history of the Panama canal and the 35,000 American lives that were lost building it was a little hard to follow, but what I can decipher is that Trump doesn't like the fact that "China now controls it," a statement he followed up by saying, "and we shouldn't let that happen."
Trump ain't scared
When asked by Carlson about whether he has any preference where his opponent is concerned, Trump's simple answer was no. Seemingly assured that Biden is his own worst enemy, and that no other Democrat can challenge by virtue of how poorly their respective cities are doing, the former President appeared to be confident in the fact that his numbers continue to go up in the polls regardless of what kind of pressures are placed on him.
With that Carlson returned to his previous question about fearing an attempt on his life, to which Trump explained that he believes the people of the United States understand his message. "They get it," he said before returning to an attack on Biden who he called both "corrupt and incompetent" as well as a "Manchurian candidate."
Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi sitting in a tree...
You know, regardless of where you stand on Trump, one has to admit that during his tenure the U.S. actually had dialogue with the three nations that have largely occupied the role of villain over the last few decades. As he explained to Carlson, he actually met with the leaders of North Korea, China and Russia, something that was generally seen as a 'don't do' for any sitting president.
That's not to say those interactions weren't without their question marks, or Trump's embelishment, but one could make a case for the fact that the first step toward peace or at the least better relations, is dialogue i.e., if there is none then how can there be peace?
"He does have massive nuclear power by the way," was Trump's closing remark on Kim Jong Un, lest we forget.
"She seems pretty senile too" - Tucker Carlson on vice president Kamala Harris
"She speaks in rhyme. It's weird." was Donald Trump's response and I think it's one of the funniest sequences in the entire conversation. "In rhyme?" Carlson pressed while laughing.
"Well the way she talks. 'The bus will go here. The bus will go there because that's what buses do.' "It's weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future," was Trump's explanation and I think it's comedic genius and so too did Carlson who couldn't stop laughing.
Trump thinks war is bad
Yet another interesting take from the former president was his slant on the war between Russia and Ukraine, one which he believes is "horrible" not because of any one side but because thousands of people are losing their lives. We're it not for Biden who is "incompetent" it could be stopped he claims. "If I was president, it would have never started."
Trump believes there is more spirit behind him now than in 2016
You've got to give it to Donald Trump and the manner in which he brings nuanced political situations down to a grass roots level, and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way.
His take on what he maintains was a "rigged election" in 2020 continues to be a brick on which he stands, while his subtle but not jab at Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden remain a reflection of his belief that he represents a vast majority of people who allegedly corrupt liberal politicians such as the aforementioned pair don't care about. and moreover robbed.
Of course, his comical assertion that Biden won't live to see the next election due to his physical health is the cherry on top of a relatable account for those aren't versed in the intricacies of Washington.
"Are you worried that they'll try to kill you?" - Tucker Carlson
Now we're talking. Carlson is addressing the progression of animosity toward Trump here. Starting with the widespread protests that preceded his entry into politics back in 2015 to the impeachment efforts, to the indictment that he now faces. Surely there is cause for concern is Carlson's point. To which Trump answered by saying "They are savage animals. They are people that are sick."
To be fair, he does remark that there are "fantastic people who are democrats", before stating "I think they hate their country if you want to know the truth."
"Do you think Jeffrey Epstein killed himself?" - Tucker Carlson
To be fair to Tucker, he did admit the question was far afield, however, it came in the context of Trump ripping former Attorney General, William Barr. Barr, Carlson claimed lied in his autobiography about the death of Jeffrey Epstein. As for Trump, he stated that he doesn't know and that though Epstein was a regular in Palm Beach, that's about it.
What's interesting here is that Trump goes on to admit that while it is possible that Epstein was killed, he doesn't necessarily believe that it was the case. "He knew a lot on a lot of people."
Passively pressing the point, Carlson returned to the idea that Barr lied about Epstein's death. "He was killed. I mean the closer you look into it...I mean you're Attorney General lied. Why?", he asked.
"...Certainly, it wasn't well done. They had no cameras, they had no anything. Everybody was sleeping. But, I'm not gonna get involved. ...A case could be made."
At that point Carlson couldn't hold his laughter any longer. Ever the comedian Trump.
It's about ratings, right?
For Carlson's second serving, he asked Trump why he's opted out of doing TV after having such an extensive career in the medium. "Is TV declining?", he asked.
After alluding to a recent poll that he saw which indicates that TV or rather cable networks are down by 30%, Trump spoke about the loss of credibility that major networks have experienced.
"MSNBC or as they say MSDNC is so bad. It's so wrong what they write, and what they do, and what they say. It's fake news as I said. You know I came up with that term, I hope I did because it's a good one. ...And you have CNN who's absolutely doing no ratings at all, I mean they're dead. But they're doing none because they don't have credibility."
The irony is most definitely not lost...
"Why aren't you at the GOP debate tonight?" - Tucker Carlson
Before we get to the former President's answer to Carlson's first question in their prerecorded conversation, it's worth mentioning that Trump's demeanor and articulation are that of a man that's completely relaxed. At ease one might say.
As for his answer, Trump cited two main reasons for avoiding the stage on debate night. Firstly, the polls. According to Trump, what's the point of debating people, "some of whom shouldn't even be running for president", when he's clearly leading in the polls.
Secondly, there was his apparent reluctance to participate in unnecessary drama. That's to say he doesn't like the idea of facing a whole lot of people "screaming and shouting questions," so he's going to give it "a pass."
And away we go!
In case you're just joining us, it's debate night with former President of the U.S.A., Donald J Trump. Speaking with him is former FOX news personality, Tucker Carlson, who it has to be said is an unexpected character in what is sure to be an eye-opening hour. Let's dive in!
Not long now...
We're now just 20 minutes out folks and I for one am pretty excited. We've got to interesting characters on show to say the least and it's going to be even more interesting to see how they 'get along.'
The Gorilla in the Room
OK, so we're now less than an hour away from show time and we haven't addressed the obvious question: 'How is it that Donald Trump is sitting down to talk with a man who once said he "passionately hated" him?' After all, Trump has never been one to take kindly to any form of criticism, and I do mean any.
So, what's the deal? Given that Carlson's 'take' on Trump and his administration was essentially privileged information until court documents revealed it, we can't just chalk it off as 'TV'. No, one has to believe that was actually Carlson's opinion and not just a ploy to drive ratings.
What that means is that we're possibly looking at what might very well be a genius move on the part of both men. Hear me out. As popular as Carlson was among conservatives, he was equally hated among liberals. That's to say there was wide spread celebration on one side of the political divide when he was removed from TV. Then we've got Trump who needs no introduction and that's to say, from his arraignments to his provocative approach, the former President has his detractors to say the least. Both have been largely pushed out of the public sphere by basically being blacklisted from the mainstream media outlets. Not anymore.
By sitting down with Carlson, a well known personality who once criticized him privately, Trump squashes the notion that he can't be reasoned with, while answering to questions that will almost certainly give him the opportunity to outline his ethos for 2024. By sitting down with Trump, arguably the most divisive American president in modern history, Carlson gets to be the man who is responsible for it all - not FOX who fired him - while endorsing the tactic that Trump supporters love so much: Sticking it to the man. Now that's 'TV!'
In case you forgot, there is actually a GOP debate tonight - the first - which is largely why Trump and Carlson are doing there thing.
The best is yet to come...
There's just so much to unpack when it comes to the former President. Indeed, regardless of which side of the political divide you stand on, he is and has always been an individual who is hard to read, and as we near the airing of his conversation with Tucker Carlson, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement.
Not from the point of view of entertainment, but rather in anticipation of what will follow it. It goes without saying that Trump will have some choice words for his opponents. The question is, how far will he go?
But first a word from Rudy
The former New York City mayor has been tied to Trump for quite some time and that appears to have been his undoing. With that said, he had some words of warning for those who have come after him and his fellow co-defendants.
How it all came to be
In typical Trump fashion, the former President has turned his back on the establishment and alongside him will be a former conservative commentator who appears to be doing the same, only in a slightly different fashion.
A Sneak Peak
Minutes ago Tucker Carlson's official account on X (formerly known as Twitter) offered up this little promotional taste of his prerecorded conversation with former President, Donald Trump, and from the looks of things, it would appear that we're in for quite a show.
'Sparks will fly' - Donald Trump
If there is one thing that's certain about tonight's scheduled conversation between former President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, and former FOX News personality, Tucker Carlson, it's that nothing is. Having exchanged barbs on many occasions over the last few years, one can only guess how this sit down will go, which is precisely why you won't want to miss it.
As is always the case with the former President, things are never simple. Indeed, where Donald Trump is concerned there are always going to be a number of layers to consider.
From the criminal cases against him, to the co-defendants in his case, to his coming arraignment (the fourth), and his intention to run for office once again, there is a lot to digest. That's precisely why we've offered up a taste of what's going on in Trump's world right now. Dive in and get up to speed.
An Odd Pair: Donald Trump & Tucker Carlson
Before we get into the surreal nature of tonight's affair, let me take a moment to welcome you to our coverage of former President of the U.S.A. Donald Trump's interview with former FOX news personality, Tucker Carlson.
Scheduled to begin at 8:55 p.m. ET and streaming on X (formerly known as Twitter), the per-recorded conversation will be broadcast during the first hour of the two-hour Republican debate which will be broadcast nationally on FOX News on Wednesday night.
Now, if the idea of Mr. Trump and Mr. Carlson sitting down for a face-to-face strikes you as strange, that's because it is. After all, these two have not always been on the best of terms. Indeed, theirs has been a complicated relationship in the past to put it mildly. Yet, such can be the way of things when two people see their interests aligning, and in this case it's plain to see that both men very much desire to stick it to FOX News.
Consider for a moment that Carlson, arguably the most popular conservative commentator in recent years, was fired most suddenly by FOX in April after documents from a lawsuit against FOX by Dominion Voting Systems showed the former host repeatedly insulting FOX executives and other network employees in text messages and emails. Further to that, Carlson was also very critical of Trump in some of those disclosed messages, saying he "passionately hated" the then-president and that his time in the White House had been a "disaster".
As for Trump himself, the former President's history of hate where FOX is concerned is well documented. From his bemoaning what he saw as unfair treatment by the network's moderators in the first debate of the 2016 primary election season, to continued rants about FOX News executives who he perceived as holding bias against him and favoring Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, Trump has never been fond of the network.
This of course brings us to the present where we can assume that both men have put their hatred for the network ahead of their possible hatred for each other. Of course, it would be naive to believe that the hour-long conversation won't be mutually beneficial for Carlson and Trump as it will not only push ratings, but will undoubtedly take a significant amount of attention away from FOX News' broadcast of the GOP debate. A win/win scenario one could say.
Ultimately, we're not sure about what to expect here, but to hear Trump himself tell it, "sparks will fly" when he has his sit down with Carlson. So, stay with us because it's going to be quite the ride.