Tucker Carlson names the Democrat Trump is ‘very convinced’ could win in 2028

WASHINGTON, DC: Political commentator Tucker Carlson claimed that President Donald Trump privately believes California Gov Gavin Newsom is the Democrat most capable of winning the White House in 2028, though the assertion came without corroboration from Trump or his team.

The remarks came when Carlson’s relationship with Trump and the Republican Party had deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. It also contrasted with the public hostility Trump and Newsom have displayed toward each other.

Tucker Carlson claims Trump sees Gavin Newsom as a threat

Speaking on Alex Jones Live, Carlson said Newsom, whom Trump believes could succeed him.

"I know Trump is very convinced that Gavin has a shot," Carlson said.

Carlson did not explain how he knew Trump's thinking or provide evidence supporting the claim. Trump himself has not publicly said he believes Newsom is the strongest Democratic contender for 2028.

Carlson quickly shifted from describing Trump's alleged view to criticizing the California governor.

"He's a sociopath who will say anything while passing a lie detector test," Carlson said, arguing that Newsom's biggest political advantage is his willingness to say whatever is necessary.

Jones responded by adding, "And he can talk, unlike Kamala!"

Newsom, who has frequently mocked Trump on social media over the past year, has not announced a presidential campaign, although Carlson's comments came amid continued speculation about his political future.

Tucker Carlson distances himself from Trump

Carlson also dismissed suggestions that he intends to seek the presidency himself.

"I don't want to run for president," he said. "I do want to be involved in offering an option of some kind."

He also argued that the country's political establishment has failed to produce capable leaders.

"The core problem that this country faces is not that it has elites," Carlson said. "It is not producing impressive people."

He added that when a political system "fails to produce a leadership class capable of running this huge thing that the ancestors built then it collapses," concluding, "we need to fix that, like immediately."

Split with GOP shapes Tucker Carlson's remarks

Carlson's comments arrive after his highly publicized break with Trump and the Republican Party following disagreements over the Iran conflict.

After campaigning for Trump during the 2024 election and speaking at multiple rallies, Carlson has since said he regrets supporting the president. Trump has responded by calling Carlson a "low IQ person," saying he has "lost his way" and is "not MAGA."

Earlier this week, Carlson also announced he was no longer willing to support the Republican Party.

"I would not support the Republican Party," he said. "There's no chance I would support the Republican Party. I'm not going to support the Democratic Party — I don't know what I'm going to do."

During the same interview with Jones, Carlson renewed his criticism of Israel, describing its government as "radical" and saying he was "very concerned" the country could use its nuclear weapons in the near future.