Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host known for his conservative commentary, recently clarified his stance on potentially joining former President Donald Trump’s ticket for the 2024 presidential election. Despite speculations and comments from Trump himself considering Carlson for the vice-presidential position, he has expressed his disinterest in pursuing a political career.

In an interview on Monday, December 11, 2023, with former Fox News colleague Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM, he downplayed the idea of his joining Trump’s 2024 ticket. He said that his life experiences have not prepared him for a role in politics, highlighting that he’s never been inclined towards such a career path and questions his suitability for the political arena. His remarks suggested a lack of interest in disrupting his current life for high political office, expressing concerns over the potential personal changes such a role could bring.

His comments on politics contrast with his earlier sentiments about Trump. In private messages revealed as part of the Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit against Fox News, Carlson expressed a deep dislike for Trump, saying he “hated [Trump] passionately.” These messages painted a different picture from the public persona of Carlson, who had often supported Trump’s policies and rhetoric on his show.

However, his stance seems to have shifted recently. He publicly endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential race despite his private criticisms. He stated his admiration for Trump’s policies and his personal rapport with the former president, describing Trump as “charming” and “funny as hell.” This endorsement came despite his previous messages expressing frustration with Trump’s leadership and its impact on Fox News and its credibility.

These developments come after a tumultuous period for both Carlson and Fox News. The network faced significant backlash and a hefty legal settlement as a result of the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems. This lawsuit was centered around false claims made about the 2020 election, in which Fox News, including Carlson, played a significant role.