A rift is widening within the MAGA movement as a coalition of prominent figures is reportedly pushing for former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to lead a potential third-party presidential bid in 2028. This development has sparked significant debate and backlash among Trump loyalists.
The stir began when Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Georgia representative, shared a photo on X from what appeared to be Carlson's cabin in Maine. The image featured Greene, Carlson, former representative Thomas Massie, and Joe Kent, ex-head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, gathered around a table. Greene captioned the post, "We said no more foreign wars and we meant it and supported Donald Trump because he made that promise. But he’s betrayed us all. Our commitment is America First for all Americans, right, left, and center. The movement has begun."
Carlson himself amplified the speculation by resharing Greene's post on X, stating, "MAGA was betrayed. We all were. It's time for a new path forward." He promised further details on his show. Meanwhile, Joe Kent confirmed on The Young Turks that the group has been urging Carlson to run, though Carlson has publicly stated he has no plans to seek office. The coalition is also exploring the logistics of placing a third-party candidate on the ballot in all 50 states, referencing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s challenges in the 2024 election.
This potential schism comes as figures like Carlson, Massie, Greene, and Kent have increasingly distanced themselves from Donald Trump, citing unmet campaign promises such as declassifying Epstein files and ending foreign conflicts. Their move to consider a third-party candidate threatens to further fragment the Republican party ahead of the upcoming midterms.
The reaction within the MAGA sphere has been sharply divided. While some, like influencer Sneako, expressed support, many staunch Trump supporters voiced strong opposition. Laura Loomer called Carlson a "lunatic" aiming to "hijack the GOP," while influential MAGA account Captive Dreamer compared the initiative to Elon Musk's short-lived "America Party." Prominent MAGA influencer Catturd dismissed the group's influence, and election denier David Clements declared his continued support for Trump.
Joe Kent elaborated that the new movement aims to build a "broad coalition" focused on an "America First agenda," prioritizing an end to foreign wars and lobbying. However, white nationalist Nick Fuentes criticized the group, suggesting their America First movement would lack substance without a strong stance on religion, race, and immigration, and predicted they would ultimately back JD Vance in 2028. Donald Trump has not yet commented on the situation.
