An interview of former President Donald Trump by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson received considerable attention Wednesday, including millions of views online. The discussion was timed to air at the same time as the first Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee, demonstrating the continuing appeal of the former president.
Trump’s discussion with the popular conservative media figure was Carlson’s 19th episode of his new series “Tucker on X.”
The 46-minute interview began with a clip of Carlson and Trump together, stating that they were not in Milwaukee.
When asked about why he did not participate in the debate, Trump cited the poll numbers of his opponents, asking why he should “get harassed by people who should even be running for president.” He said that Fox News was “not particularly friendly to me,” criticizing what he called the network’s support of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
He said it would be “more appropriate” not to take part in the debate.
The former president said that he “loved” answering questions, but not in this venue.
The former president criticized cable news, calling MSNBC “MSDNC” and stating that CNN was “doing no ratings at all.”
He also told Carlson, who was fired by Fox News earlier this year that his former interview had fallen precipitously in ratings.
Trump criticized former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), calling him “Ada” Hutchinson. The former president also targeted former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), calling him a “lunatic.”
The former president said that he never trusted “Christie very much,” stating that Christie was “very hurt” over not receiving a position in the Trump administration.
Ep. 19 Debate Night with Donald J Trump pic.twitter.com/ayPfII48CO
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 24, 2023
The former president also said, “now I know Washington.” He also said that he would have a better staff in another term compared to his first tenure in the White House and that his top priority is securing the southern border.
Trump also said that former Attorney General Bill Barr did not complete a proper investigation of the aftermath of the 2020 election.
“He was petrified,” Trump said. “He didn’t do the job there.”
