Trump Criticizes Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Alex Jones in Truth Social Post

By Staff Reporter

*Published: April 9, 2026*

Tensions between President Donald Trump and several prominent conservative media figures reached a new point on April 9, 2026, when Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social targeting Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Alex Jones.

The post follows weeks of public exchanges stemming from disagreements over U.S. military strikes on Iran. Carlson, host of the Tucker Carlson Network podcast, described the strikes as "disgusting and evil" in a recent episode. He argued that the action contradicted Trump's "America First" campaign promises by prioritizing involvement in Middle East conflicts, particularly those perceived as benefiting Israel. Carlson also characterized warnings about Iranian nuclear weapons as "tiresome" fear-mongering, stating there was no evidence Iran possessed or was imminently developing such capabilities. These comments prompted responses from Trump and his supporters.

Earlier, Trump shared an article by author Douglas Murray, titled "Deranged Tucker Carlson Backstabs Trump." The piece, published last week, accused Carlson of attempting to shift the MAGA base's support away from Israel and toward Islamist regimes. It described Carlson's podcast as featuring guests including Holocaust deniers, antisemites, Islamic extremists, and World War II revisionists, while criticizing Carlson for conducting lenient interviews with individuals who expressed admiration for historical figures like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. The exact phrasing of some excerpts in secondary reports has not been independently verified in the original article.

Carlson responded to the broader criticism by speculating on his show that Trump might escalate to nuclear strikes on Iran. No such action took place, though speculation circulated online on April 9 morning before reports indicated the strikes were limited.

Trump's Truth Social post, shared via the Rapid Response 47 account, read in full:

"I know why Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones have all been fighting me for years, especially by the fact that they think it is wonderful for Iran, the Number One State Sponsor of Terror, to have a Nuclear Weapon — Because they have one thing in common, Low IQs. They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too! Look at their past, look at their record. They don’t have what it takes, and they never did! They’ve all been thrown off Television, lost their Shows, and aren’t even invited on TV because nobody cares about them, they’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some “free” and cheap publicity. Now they think they get some “clicks” because they have Third Rate Podcasts, but nobody’s talking about them, and their views are the opposite of MAGA — Or I wouldn’t have won the Presidential Election in a LANDSLIDE. MAGA agrees with me, and just gave CNN a 100% Approval Rating of “TRUMP,” not Hand Flailing Fools like Tucker Carlson, who couldn’t even finish College, he was a broken man when he got fired from Fox, and he’s never been the same — Perhaps he should see a good psychiatrist! Or Megyn Kelly, who nastily asked me the now famous, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” question, or “Crazy” Candace Owens, who accuses the Highly Respected First Lady of France of being a man, when she is not, and will hopefully win lots of money in the ongoing lawsuit. Actually, to me, the First Lady of France is a far more beautiful woman than Candace, in fact, it’s not even close! Or Bankrupt Alex Jones, who says some of the dumbest things, and lost his entire fortune, as he should have, for his horrendous attack on the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, ridiculously claiming it was a hoax. These so-called “pundits” are LOSERS, and they always will be! Now Fake News CNN, The Failing New York Times, and all of the other Radical Left “News” Organizations, are “hailing” them, and giving them “positive” press for the first time in their lives. They’re not “MAGA,” they’re losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA. As President, I could get them on my side anytime I want to, but when they call, I don’t return their calls because I’m too busy on World and Country Affairs and, after a few times, they go “nasty,” just like Marjorie “Traitor” Brown, but I no longer care about that stuff, I only care about doing right for our Country. MAGA is about WINNING and STRENGTH in not allowing Iran to have Nuclear Weapons. MAGA is about MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and these people have no idea how to do that, BUT I DO, because THE UNITED STATES IS NOW THE “HOTTEST” COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

In the post, Trump accused the four individuals of supporting Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, described them as having "low IQs" and being "nut jobs," and referenced their professional histories. He specifically criticized Owens over her claims that Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, is transgender—a assertion that has led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Macron, in which Owens could face financial penalties if she loses. Trump also mentioned Jones' past statements questioning the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which resulted in court-ordered payments exceeding $1 billion to victims' families after Jones lost defamation suits. Kelly was referenced for a 2015 debate question about Trump's comments on Rosie O'Donnell, and Carlson for not completing college and his departure from Fox News in 2023.

Candace Owens replied on X (formerly Twitter): "It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home," accompanied by a video clip.

The exchange highlights a divide within conservative circles over U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Israel. Trump has framed opposition to the strikes as pro-Iran and anti-MAGA, emphasizing prevention of Iranian nuclear armament. Critics like Carlson have positioned their stance as adherence to isolationist "America First" principles, arguing against U.S. entanglement in regional wars.

Coverage in other outlets has noted this as an internal rift. The New York Times described Trump's comments as "starkly personal" attacks on former allies who criticized the Iran strikes. The Wall Street Journal reported on a "MAGA split" on foreign policy, with some supporters backing Trump's actions as necessary deterrence and others echoing Carlson's anti-intervention views. Polling data referenced by CNN on April 9 showed strong Trump approval among self-identified MAGA voters, though specific questions on Iran policy were not detailed.

Carlson, Kelly, Owens, and Jones each maintain independent media platforms. Carlson's Tucker Carlson Network has grown since his Fox News exit, drawing millions of viewers. Owens hosts a daily show on her network, Kelly produces podcasts and a YouTube program, and Jones operates Infowars despite legal challenges. The individuals have not issued further statements beyond Owens' initial reply as of publication.

This episode underscores ongoing debates within the Republican base on the scope of U.S. military engagement abroad, particularly regarding Iran, designated by the U.S. State Department as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism since 1984. Iran's nuclear program remains a point of international contention, with the International Atomic Energy Agency reporting in 2025 that Iran had enriched uranium to near-weapons-grade levels but had not verifiably assembled a bomb. U.S. intelligence assessments, including a 2026 National Intelligence Estimate, have assessed that Iran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapon but maintains breakout capability within months if decided.

The feud builds on prior instances of Trump publicly clashing with conservative figures, though no prior verified statement from Trump specifically saying Carlson "lost his way" in direct reference to the Iran dispute was located in recent searches.

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