Several media reports suggest that some current Fox News talent are considering leaving the network to join former top-rated host Tucker Carlson, who has been broadcasting his program on Twitter for over a month, despite Fox News’ objections.
Sources have revealed that a few Fox anchors have directly contacted Carlson or used intermediaries to express their interest in joining his Twitter venture once their contracts expire. However, Carlson is still under contract with Fox News, reportedly earning $20 million annually, until January 2025, after the 2024 election.
Reports indicate that Dominion’s defamation claims against Fox News, primarily based on post-2020 election accusations aired on programs hosted by Sean Hannity, Jeanine Pirro, and Maria Bartiromo, have led to pressure on Fox News to distance itself from Carlson.
Variety reported that Carlson was taken off the air as a condition of Fox News’ settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, although both Fox and Dominion deny this.
In late April, during an interview with British comedian and actor Russell Brand, Carlson addressed his removal from the air, admitting uncertainty about the exact reasons behind it but expressing his lack of surprise and resentment over the decision.
Since leaving Fox News, Carlson has remained active. He has conducted a prerecorded interview with former President Donald Trump, which is set to counter-program the first GOP presidential debate. Trump’s senior campaign adviser, Jason Miller, stated that the former president will be in New Jersey during the debate night.