Renowned television host Tucker Carlson made a remarkable debut on Twitter with his promised new show, capturing the attention of millions of viewers within just a few hours. Departing from his former role on Fox News, Carlson embraced controversial subjects such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, UFOs, the JFK assassination, and the events surrounding 9/11. Despite the shift in platform, Carlson’s audience numbers on Twitter surpassed those of his previous television show, highlighting his enduring popularity and the allure of his unfiltered commentary.
A Change of Venue:
In his new low-tech show, Carlson presented a 10-minute video from what appeared to be a cozy wooden cabin home studio. Expressing his belief that American citizens are among the least informed in the world, he revisited his familiar critique of the American media while delivering a more dynamic and energized version of his nightly monologue.
The Numbers Speak:
During his tenure on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” the host set the daily agenda for the Republican Party and attracted an average of 3.25 million viewers in March, his final full month on the air. In contrast, his Twitter debut garnered a staggering 27 million views in just over four hours. Although comparing the metrics between television and social media platforms may be challenging, Carlson’s impressive Twitter performance clearly surpassed Fox News’ viewership during the same time period.
Contractual Obligations and Controversies:
Despite his departure from Fox News, Carlson remains technically under contract until January 2025 and is one of the highest-paid television hosts, earning over $20 million annually. With his exit negotiations underway, Carlson enlisted the services of prominent Hollywood lawyer Bryan Freedman to handle the delicate process. His departure from the network occurred shortly after Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems for almost $800 million. Additionally, Carlson faces legal challenges, including allegations of misogyny and harassment from a former senior booking producer.
Controversial Utterances and Unfiltered Commentary:
Known for courting controversy during his time at Fox News, Carlson wasted no time delving into contentious topics during his Twitter debut. With thinly veiled anti-Semitic remarks aimed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he described him as “sweaty and rat-like” while labeling him a comedian-turned-oligarch and a persecutor of Christians. Carlson also questioned the allocation of billions of dollars sent to Ukraine, the origins of the Black Lives Matter riots, and the classified nature of the 9/11 attacks. His provocative remarks regarding Senator Lindsey Graham and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine further fueled the heated dialogue.
Aliens and UFOs:
In a surprising turn, Carlson shifted his attention to recent reports from David Grusch, a former member of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Reconnaissance Office, who claimed that the U.S. government possesses extraterrestrial spacecraft and deceased alien pilots. While acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects and potential extraterrestrial life, Carlson expressed disappointment in mainstream media outlets for allegedly neglecting to cover Grusch’s revelations.
The Future of Tucker Carlson on Twitter:
In his concluding statements, Carlson emphasized Twitter’s reputation as a platform that fosters free speech, hinting at the possibility of continuing his show on the social media site. However, the ramifications of his Twitter program on his contractual obligations to Fox News remain uncertain.
Conclusion:
Tucker Carlson’s debut on Twitter with his new show captured the attention of millions of viewers, surpassing the viewership numbers of his former primetime Fox News slot. With his trademark controversial style, Carlson tackled topics ranging from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to UFOs and conspiracy theories surrounding major historical events.
