Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson launched his most direct attack yet against his former employer, claiming the network has become a “propaganda machine” that physically harmed him during his 14-year tenure. In a conversation with fellow former Fox anchor Clayton Morris on his podcast released June 24, 2025, Carlson described the toll of working at the network while criticizing its coverage of mounting tensions with Iran.
Carlson revealed that being what he called “a semi-witting cog in the propaganda machine” made him fat, describing his Fox News position as “incredibly hard physically” and “the hardest job I ever had.” The conservative commentator, who was abruptly terminated from the network in April 2023, said this marked the first time he had directly attacked his former employer despite being fired over two years ago.
The podcast episode featured Carlson playing clips of current Fox personalities including Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Kayleigh McEnany praising President Donald Trump’s recent airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Carlson expressed particular criticism of Levin, a longtime network host who has described opponents of U.S. intervention in Iran as “lunatics.”
More explosively, Carlson alleged that the Murdoch family approached him about running for president against Trump in May 2023, just weeks after his termination. According to Carlson, Lachlan Murdoch specifically told him the family would back a presidential campaign with “the whole Fox News apparatus” as well as other Murdoch properties including The Wall Street Journal.
Carlson characterized the Murdochs as harboring deep animosity toward Trump, stating there is “no one who hates Trump more than the Murdochs.” He indicated the media family’s offer came despite his show already being canceled, though he remained under contract at the time. Carlson dismissed the proposal, explaining he would never get elected and expressing continued support for Trump.
The former primetime host also directed harsh criticism at Fox’s Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin, calling her “the deepest of the deep state” and describing her as a “parody” of Pentagon employees. Carlson revealed he had previously complained to Fox management about Griffin’s coverage, characterizing her as a “Trump hater” whose liberal views were “discrediting the channel.” He indicated network executives told him Griffin was untouchable.
Morris, who joined the conversation, noted Griffin’s office location at the Pentagon, suggesting potential bias in her reporting due to proximity to sources. The discussion highlighted ongoing tensions between Carlson and his former colleagues over foreign policy coverage, particularly regarding Middle East conflicts.
Carlson’s criticism comes amid his broader opposition to Trump’s Iran policy, which has created friction between the former host and the president. Trump recently dismissed Carlson’s concerns about potential military escalation, calling him “kooky” and suggesting he should “get a television network” to voice his opinions. However, Trump later revealed that Carlson had called to apologize for comments the president considered too strong.
The revelations about the Murdoch family’s alleged presidential recruitment effort align with previous reporting about their complicated relationship with Trump. During the 2024 Republican primary season, Murdoch-owned outlets had attempted to boost alternative candidates including Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy before Trump secured the nomination.
Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2023 came shortly after the network reached a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over defamation claims related to 2020 election coverage. Text messages revealed during litigation showed Carlson privately expressing negative views about Trump while publicly supporting him on air, including writing “I hate him passionately” in January 2021.
Since leaving Fox, Carlson has launched his own media operation and maintained influence within conservative circles. He played a significant role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, reportedly helping convince the president to select JD Vance as his running mate and receiving a prime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention.
The podcast conversation with Morris, who also departed Fox News and now hosts the show “Redacted,” represents Carlson’s most comprehensive public criticism of his former employer’s editorial direction and management decisions. Representatives for the Murdoch family and Fox News did not respond to requests for comment regarding Carlson’s allegations about the presidential recruitment effort.
