Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson was spotted in Fox News’ greenroom at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday evening, nearly 15 months after he abruptly left the network.
The New York Times’ Michael Grynbaum reported that Carlson was there to accompany Donald Trump Jr., who had a planned appearance on Sean Hannity’s show. Behind the scenes, Carlson received a warm welcome from some of his former colleagues, including “The Five” co-host Jeanine Pirro, according to Grynbaum.
Carlson, who used to be one of the top prime-time hosts on Fox News, parted ways with the network in April 2023. Fox News didn’t explain the reason for his departure, but he left shortly after the network reached a nearly $790 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit that largely centered on statements made by Carlson.
He went on to host his own internet show and launched a media company, the Tucker Carlson Network, in December.
During his time in Milwaukee, Carlson was spotted in the same room as Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch on Wednesday at Trade Hotel, according to Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman. The two reportedly didn’t speak.
Carlson has remained in Donald Trump’s orbit since and was one of the first people he greeted Monday evening after the former president walked through the Fiserv Forum arena for his first public appearance since surviving a Saturday assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
Carlson was among those who advocated for Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) to be Trump’s running mate as he seeks to retake the White House. Carlson warned Trump in June that if he chose someone like Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a “neocon,” the so-called deep state would be incentivized to assassinate Trump, according to the Times.
Murdoch’s team was reportedly urging Trump to go with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) as his vice presidential pick but failed to convince him.
During their June call, Carlson urged Trump against listening to Murdoch and his allies.
“When your enemies are pushing a running mate on you,” he reportedly said, “it’s a pretty good sign you should ignore them.”
Trump Jr., who also preferred Vance for the ticket, took a dig at Murdoch during an Axios event Tuesday.
“There was a time where if you wanted to survive in the Republican Party, you had to bend the knee to him or to others,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the case anymore.”
Carlson is expected to address the RNC audience Thursday evening ahead of Trump’s much-anticipated speech. The media personality is also reportedly being trailed by a documentary crew, according to The Washington Post.
