Tucker Finally Speaks Truth on Trump's Deals
Tucker Carlson speaking with attendees at the 2020 Student Action Summit. Photo by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
In a searing moment of dissent, Tucker Carlson — once one of President Donald Trump's fiercest media allies — said the timing of Trump's latest Middle East business deals may not be entirely ethical. The admission, made during a podcast exchange with former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, is igniting shockwaves across the Trumpiverse and prompting uncomfortable questions about the president's entanglement of public power and private profit.
A Rare Break From Loyalty
Tucker Carlson, known for his vocal support of Trump's policies and persona, took a surprising turn during a recent episode of his podcast. His guest, Shawn Ryan, expressed frustration with the administration's handling of several issues, including the failure to release the Epstein files and the ongoing conflicts in Russia and Ukraine. But it was Ryan's skepticism about the Trump organization's Middle East ventures that sparked the most revealing exchange.
"F--- it," Ryan said. "I'm gonna get blasted for this," as reported by the Daily Mail.
Ryan questioned the timing of the deals, noting the simultaneous announcements of new Trump properties in the Gulf states alongside diplomatic negotiations. He asked whether these developments were connected or merely coincidental, voicing concern over the motivations behind the deals. He admitted, "That stuff kind of worries me."
Carlson initially deflected but ultimately admitted on his podcast, "Well it seems like corruption, yeah," as reported by the Independent.
Trump Organization’s Expanding Middle East Footprint
The Trump organization is allegedly expanding its presence in the Middle East with several high-profile projects. These include a Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai, a Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a golf resort in Doha, Qatar, and a hotel under construction in Muscat, Oman.
These developments coincide with President Trump's recent diplomatic tour of the region, where he met with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The timing has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially since Trump has not divested from his business holdings.
The $400 Million Private Jet Gift
Adding to the controversy, Trump recently accepted a private jet from Qatari royalty valued at approximately $400 million. The lavish gift, intended to serve as Air Force One, has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of accepting such a gift from a foreign government.
Even some MAGA supporters have voiced discomfort. Influencer Laura Loomer described the deal as a "stain on the admin," despite her continued loyalty to the President, as reported by the Daily Beast. She continued that she would "take a bullet for Trump."
White House Pushes Back
The White House has dismissed concerns about conflicts of interest related to Trump's business dealings. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the notion that profits from these ventures might influence governing decisions "frankly ridiculous," emphasizing that such questions are unfounded, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Despite this dismissal, the administration's defense has done little to ease the concerns of critics and some supporters who worry about the blurred lines between public office and private business.
Unease Among Loyalists
Carlson's admission reflects a broader unease about the potential for conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety. Shawn Ryan's comments underscore this tension. While long supportive of conservative efforts to scale back DEI programs and tighten border security, Ryan's cool distance from Trump's Middle East strategy reveals a fissure in the once-solid MAGA front. The question remains whether these business ventures represent a savvy expansion of the Trump brand or an alleged troubling entanglement of public office and private profit.
What Happens Now?
Tucker's surprising rebuke may not topple Trump's base — but it signals a growing discomfort even within loyalist ranks. As Trump doubles down on expanding his family empire overseas while seated in the Oval Office, allies and critics alike are forced to confront an increasingly thorny question: When does brand building cross the line into corruption? For now, the MAGA movement remains intact but Carlson's words may mark the first visible crack in the facade.
References: Tucker Carlson says Trump's deal to build hotel in the Middle East 'seems like corruption' | Tucker Carlson Rips Trump's Middle East Moves: 'Seems Like Corruption' | Tucker Carlson makes stunning admission about Trump move that 'seems like corruption'
