The idea of Tucker Carlson running for president in 2028 is no longer confined to internet speculation.
On Wednesday, journalist Mark Halperin and Megyn Kelly engaged in a spirited debate over Carlson’s political future, with Kelly arguing that recent events have pushed the former Fox News host closer than ever to considering a presidential bid.
“I believe Tucker’s so disgusted with the neocons and what’s happened within the Republican party…”@MegynKelly and @MarkHalperin on Tucker Carlson teaming up with Joe Kent, MTG, and Massie, and teasing a new political party and his potential run.
Watch & download… pic.twitter.com/o5mGjKEK1K
— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) August 5, 2026
The discussion comes as Carlson’s name continues to circulate among a growing group of former Trump allies exploring the possibility of a new political movement after disagreements with President Donald Trump over Iran, the Epstein files and the future of the America First agenda.
Halperin dismissed the idea almost immediately.
“Tucker’s as likely to run for president as I am to move to India and start my cricket career.”
Kelly wasn’t buying it.
“Disagree.”
She acknowledged she hadn’t spoken directly with Carlson about a campaign but said his frustration with the Republican Party appears deeper than at any point in recent years.
“I believe Tucker’s so disgusted in the neocons and what’s happened in the Republican Party that for the first time he would consider it.”
Halperin countered that even if Carlson wanted to run, America’s ballot-access laws and debate requirements make building a viable third party extraordinarily difficult.
“Starting a third party is nearly impossible in our system.”
He argued that no Republican nominee would willingly share a debate stage with Carlson if he ran outside the GOP.
Kelly wasn’t convinced. She argued Carlson wouldn’t necessarily need to win the presidency to reshape the race.
“They can get in the debates.”
She also suggested that even a limited third-party effort could siphon millions of conservative votes and dramatically alter the electoral landscape.
The debate gained new relevance just hours later.
During a widely promoted livestream Wednesday evening, Carlson unveiled a 10-point political manifesto, outlining what he called a vision for rebuilding the country. While he stopped short of announcing a presidential campaign, the speech reinforced speculation that he intends to become a leading voice for an emerging breakaway America First movement.
That movement has taken shape in recent days following a meeting at Carlson’s Maine home attended by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Thomas Massie and former intelligence official Joe Kent. Kent has publicly acknowledged discussions about encouraging Carlson to run in 2028 if a third party materializes.
The White House has dismissed the effort.
Spokesman Davis Ingle recently described the gathering as “an embarrassing collection of mostly whiny turncoats who dramatically overestimate their influence and relevance,” insisting President Trump remains the unquestioned leader of the Republican Party.
For now, Carlson continues insisting he’s focused on ideas rather than campaigns.
Whether that changes between now and 2028 remains one of the biggest unanswered questions in conservative politics.
DBS WIRE SOURCES
- Mediaite – Megyn Kelly clashes with Mark Halperin over whether Tucker Carlson will run for president
- Axios – Tucker Carlson unveils 10-point manifesto amid third-party speculation
- Wired – MAGA is in turmoil over Tucker Carlson’s possible 2028 presidential bid
