Tucker Carlson has flatly denied President Donald Trump’s claim that Carlson called him to apologize after their public dispute over the administration’s Iran strategy, issuing a direct contradiction of Trump’s account during an already charged debate over foreign policy.
This disagreement stems from broader disagreements within the MAGA movement about Trump’s assertive stance toward the Israel-Iran conflict last month. Trump endorsed Israeli strikes against Iran and eventually approved strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—actions that drew strong criticism from influential America First figures.
Carlson was among the most prominent conservatives to challenge Trump’s handling of the situation, aligning with Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and former White House strategist Steve Bannon in opposing any US military engagement with Iran. Their resistance highlighted major divisions within MAGA circles over the issue of foreign intervention.
In light of Carlson’s outspoken objections, Trump, at a June 18 Oval Office press conference, asserted that Carlson had personally reached out to apologize for being overly critical, describing him as a good person and claiming he appreciated Carlson’s supposed apology.
However, in a recent interview with German newspaper Bild, Carlson firmly repudiated Trump’s version of events. When deputy editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer pressed him on Trump’s claims, Carlson gave an unequivocal denial.
Asked to elaborate, Carlson clarified that while he likes Trump and has supported him publicly, he nonetheless disagrees with Trump’s Iran policy. Carlson said he was unclear about what he’d have reason to apologize for.
He added that he’s not averse to admitting mistakes and will apologize when warranted. Still, he doesn’t believe disagreeing with Trump over Iran constitutes a personal attack that would require an apology.
The escalating dispute over Iran has placed significant strain on Trump’s political coalition. MAGA supporters and conservative media voices have repeatedly warned against renewed American military involvement in foreign conflicts, arguing such moves betray the America First philosophy. Bannon especially has cited ending “forever wars” as one of the movement’s key principles.
Tensions flared further when Trump labeled Carlson “kooky” on Truth Social for opposing US military action against Iran, but later softened, calling Carlson a good person and repeating that he’d received an apology call.
Greene subsequently defended Carlson, emphasizing that opposition to foreign wars is fundamental to America First—an ideal embraced by millions. Her defense marked an unusually public break from Trump for the Georgia congresswoman.
This dispute has spotlighted ongoing tensions between MAGA figures and establishment Republican hawks over dealing with Iran. Carlson, notably, engaged in a heated exchange with Texas Senator Ted Cruz on air, debating Trump’s response to the Iran-Israel crisis and the right level of US military involvement.
Traditional Republican leaders, including former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Lindsey Graham, urged Trump to take stronger action against Iran’s nuclear program. Conservative commentators such as Mark Levin and Hugh Hewitt also advocated for increased US support for Israel.
Ultimately, the debate reveals a broader split in the GOP between interventionist and non-interventionist foreign policies. The America First movement generally favors reducing US military engagements abroad, but the Iran episode has put these convictions to the test, given America’s longstanding support for Israel.
