On a brisk Friday afternoon, Tucker Carlson, a prominent conservative commentator and former Fox News host, was observed at the White House during an event hosted by President Donald Trump. This sighting comes in the wake of Carlson's public warning that the United States may be on a path towards global conflict.
The Associated Press reported that Carlson arrived early for a luncheon at the White House and stayed on to attend a conference where President Trump engaged with oil executives, discussing potential ventures in Venezuela's energy sector. While it remains uncertain whether Carlson had a private meeting with President Trump or Vice President JD Vance, his presence at such a high-profile gathering has sparked intrigue and speculation.
As President Trump made his entrance into the East Room, Carlson was noticed among those applauding. Throughout the event, he observed from the sidelines as the President unveiled a strategy aimed at securing a $100 billion investment for the restoration and expansion of Venezuelan oil production infrastructure. President Trump articulated that American oil companies, including Chevron, are prepared to invest significant capital—without resorting to taxpayer funds—to revitalize Venezuela's oil industry following the detention of its leader, Nicolas Maduro.
The day before his White House appearance, Carlson released a video expressing his concern that indicators were pointing to the potential outbreak of a large-scale war, one that could potentially escalate to global proportions. Known for his non-interventionist stance within conservative circles, Carlson has consistently advised against US military entanglements abroad, including in hotspots such as Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela.
President Trump has cited Venezuela's vast oil reserves as a rationale for the military operation that resulted in Maduro's apprehension, according to the Daily Mail. Despite Carlson's previous criticisms of foreign military intervention, his attendance signals that his viewpoints are still considered within the administration's broader discourse. In the past, President Trump has acknowledged Carlson's support, remarking in November that the commentator had been a longstanding ally.
Reaction within conservative ranks to Carlson's presence was polarized, with some lauding it as indicative of his enduring influence, while others voiced dissatisfaction. Laura Loomer, a pro-Israel conservative influencer and advisor to Trump, publicly decried Carlson's participation in the meeting. She branded his attendance as disappointing, especially given his opposition to the Maduro operation, and accused him of hypocrisy in a post on social media platform X.
Carlson's unexpected appearance has fueled conjecture regarding his potential future role, either in a media capacity or as an advisor, particularly as the administration advances its strategy in Venezuela. This development has undoubtedly stirred the political discourse and left many awaiting the next moves from both Carlson and the White House.
