Former Fox News figures Tucker Carlson and Mark Levin were involved in a public disagreement on Wednesday, June 4, concerning U.S. policy on Iran. Carlson accused Levin of lobbying the administration for military intervention.
Carlson claimed on social media that Levin is advocating for military action without intending to participate himself, expecting American soldiers to bear the burden. This accusation marks a new level of tension between the two conservative personalities, who were colleagues at Fox News until Carlson left in April 2023.
Carlson expressed concern that Levin’s guidance to President Trump could lead to significant American casualties. He dismissed the notion of an imminent nuclear threat from Iran, stating there is no reliable intelligence to suggest Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons.
He cautioned that military action against Iran could escalate into a global conflict, arguing that “an attack on Iran could very easily become a world war” and could result in American defeat. Carlson noted Iran’s connections to Russia and China through BRICS, emphasizing that the country is not isolated and warning that initial conflict could result in significant American deaths.
Levin, host of “Life, Liberty & Levin” on Fox News and a member of Trump’s Homeland Security Advisory Council, has consistently voiced concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. On his Sunday show, he asserted that Iran effectively has nuclear capabilities.
Levin referred to confidential findings indicating Iran has nearly doubled its stockpile of weapon-grade uranium over three months during negotiations with the Trump administration. Intelligence reviewed by Fox News Digital suggests Austrian security services report Iran is advancing its nuclear rearmament and enhancing missile capabilities for long-range nuclear delivery.
Their relationship soured after a May disagreement regarding Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff’s use of the term “neocon.” Levin criticized the language, stating “neocon is a pejorative for Jew” and called the term’s use unbelievable. This prompted Carlson to respond, asserting the situation had become irrational.
During his May radio broadcast, Levin retaliated with personal attacks on Carlson, using derogatory names and advising him against distorting his words. Levin frequently referred to Carlson with Rush Limbaugh’s nickname “Chatsworth Osborne Jr.” and explained his concerns about the term “neocon,” noting many original neoconservatives were former left-wing Democratic Jews.
Levin defended his stance on Iran, arguing Americans opposing Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not warmongers but patriots. He expressed hope for a resolution under Trump’s leadership, while remaining skeptical of diplomatic solutions due to Iran’s history of agreement violations.
Carlson concluded his statement by urging Trump to resist war advocates, describing them as dangerous and requested prayers for Trump to ignore them. He argued that war with Iran would contradict Trump’s peace-focused campaign promises and potentially jeopardize his presidency, suggesting that Trump’s adversaries might support war to undermine his administration.
This disagreement highlights broader divisions within Trump’s circle between interventionist and isolationist perspectives. Levin maintains influence through his advisory role and Fox News platform, while Carlson continues to impact through his independent media network founded post-Fox News in 2023.
The administration faces diverse pressures as it formulates Iran policy. Trump’s team includes both proponents of forceful action and those favoring diplomacy. The president has shown confidence in negotiating deals previous administrations could not, while keeping all options on the table.
Carlson and Levin have each cultivated substantial audiences through their media platforms since departing Fox News. Their public dispute underscores the complexities conservative media figures face in addressing foreign policy issues while maintaining influence and engaging audiences in a shifting media environment.
