MAGA Is In Turmoil Over Tucker Carlson’s Possible 2028 Presidential Bid
A newly formed coalition of prominent MAGA figures, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie and Joe Kent, has launched a movement aiming to field a third-party candidate for the 2028 US presidential election, with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson their preferred pick. The group accuses President Donald Trump of betraying campaign promises on ending foreign wars and releasing the Epstein files, exposing a deepening rift within the Republican Party ahead of November's midterm elections.
The plan emerged after Greene shared a photograph on X taken at Carlson's Maine cabin, showing the group discussing their "America First" movement, which Carlson later amplified on his own account. Kent revealed the group has repeatedly urged Carlson to run, though he has publicly ruled it out, and said they are also examining how to secure ballot access in all 50 states, mindful of the difficulties Robert F. Kennedy faced in 2024. Reaction from other MAGA figures has been sharply divided, with critics such as Laura Loomer and Phillip Buchanan dismissing the effort, while the White House branded the group "an embarrassing collection of mostly whiny turncoats."
In short
- MAGA figures launch movement to run a third-party 2028 candidate
- Tucker Carlson is their top choice, though he denies plans to run
- Move has split Republicans, with fierce criticism from Trump loyalists
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the movement contend that Trump has demonstrably broken core campaign promises on ending foreign military commitments and other foundational America First pledges, and that preserving the movement's integrity demands holding leaders accountable to stated principles regardless of personal loyalty. They argue that accepting such betrayals without consequence would irreversibly compromise the movement's values and credibility, making a candidacy built on authentic America First commitments a principled necessity rather than mere internal disagreement.
The case against
Critics argue that a third-party candidacy would fracture conservative support and virtually guarantee Democratic victory in 2028, causing vastly greater damage to America First policies than any individual policy divergence with Trump could inflict. They contend that political power flows from winning elections, that Trump remains the most viable vehicle for implementing MAGA priorities, and that internal disagreements are better resolved through primary competition or policy pressure within existing party structures rather than through a campaign that would hand power to their political opponents.
Explained simply
MAGA is a political movement built around Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” slogan. Its supporters include elected Republicans and activists, but they do not always agree on policy or tactics.
Tucker Carlson is a conservative commentator and former Fox News host; Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie and Joe Kent are Republican politicians. The group’s proposed third-party effort reflects disputes among some Trump supporters over foreign policy and the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, and over whether to challenge the Republican Party from outside it.
In the United States, presidential candidates need to meet different state rules to appear on the ballot, so a nationwide independent campaign can be difficult to organise. A third-party bid could also affect the Republican contest, making the movement relevant as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election.
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