Controversial commentator Tucker Carlson met with President Trump and at least one Cabinet member in the Oval Office Friday morning, a meeting that elicited condemnation from some conservative influencers online.
The meeting purportedly was to discuss the recent unrest in Iran and the U.S. response to it.
Carlson’s Tucker Carlson Network posted two photos on X, one of which has Carlson talking to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
https://t.co/CNj74uj3ca pic.twitter.com/L9OlyTHh18
— Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) January 16, 2026
Hours before the photos were released, conservative activist Laura Loomer posted about her hearing that Carlson was “in the West Wing” Friday, reacting with: “Every time Tucker Qatarlson visits the White House, GOP voter turnout decreases. Tucker is a virulent Jew hater, a mouthpiece for Islamic jihadists and a Trump hater.”
Every time Tucker Qatarlson visits the White House, GOP voter turnout decreases.
Tucker is a virulent Jew hater, a mouthpiece for Islamic jihadists and a Trump hater. https://t.co/USNWI64R0B pic.twitter.com/npqHX9kz3x
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 16, 2026
Similarly, conservative commentator Erick Erickson remarked, “Will we be bombing the Iranian protestors this evening and propping up the regime?”
AG Hamilton posted: “Tucker is leading an organized effort to undermine the Trump administration’s policies with his base. He’s coordinating with those actively attacking Trump on a daily basis and with foreign enemies. This is the scorpion and the frog. Don’t act surprised when they get stung.”
Some commenters on X supported Carlson, with posts like:
“Watching all the worst people seethe about [the meeting] is hilarious.”
“Tucker Carlson has a voice that Donald Trump needs to hear.”
“Two great men that will bring Americana back. Old school love of country and culture.”
Supporters of Israel have opposed Carlson’s commentary about the Jewish state, the Gaza War and other issues, many branding him as anti-Semitic.