The interview with former President Donald Trump, conducted by Tucker Carlson aired at the same time as the Republican presidential debate on August 23, but debuted simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter), covered a number of topics that are of interest to anyone who is interested in politics, regardless of whether they support Trump.
Donald Trump. Tucker Carlson.
Debate Night in Bedminster
8:55pm ET pic.twitter.com/w8nGhOfEdv— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 23, 2023
Trump began the interview by explaining that, due to the significant lead he has in the polls, he does not feel the need to attend the debate. He said that he felt there were some people who did not belong, and mentioned Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, by name. He claimed that Christie had requested a position in Trump’s administration but Trump refused because he did not trust him. Ron DeSantis was not mentioned, but he did mention him at the start of his explanation as to why he skipped the debate. Trump also criticized FOX News, and its former journalist, Chris Wallace, to Carlson’s delight.
Carlson then moved on to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump was asked twice whether he believed Epstein had committed suicide or been murdered. Trump refused to answer either way, saying that it could be murder, but there is no way to know for sure. Trump said that Bill Barr who served as Attorney General under Trump failed to investigate Epstein’s murder in the same way he failed properly to investigate voter fraud allegations during the 2020 presidential elections.
Carlson asked Trump whether he was afraid for his life given the progression of actions against him, from protests to impeachment and indictments. Trump didn’t answer directly. He called the people who were slandering him “sick” or “animals,” but added that he thought most Democrats were good people. His goal is to become President of the entire country if he’s elected in 2024. Trump also spoke of the incredible spirit among his supporters during 2020.
Carlson brought up the subject of foreign affairs. Trump condemned the Russia-Ukraine War and said that if he was still president, Vladimir Putin wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine. He said that the war must stop and, if he were elected in 2024 he would have brought it to a quick conclusion.
Here is the full interview:
Ep. 19 Debate Night with Donald J Trump pic.twitter.com/ayPfII48CO
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 24, 2023
Trump also spoke about China and North Korea. He said that during his tenure in office, he prevented a nuclear conflict with North Korea. Trump said that China was building military bases in Cuba and controlling the Panama Canal. He also said that China would leave Cuba immediately if he returned to office.
Trump criticized Joe Biden harshly for his mental and bodily weakness. He asked aloud whether Biden would last long enough for him to run again. Carlson asked Trump who he thought would be the nominee if not Biden. Trump dismissed the idea of Kamala running and said that Carlson may have been right to suggest Gavin Newsom. Trump said that the record of a politician was no longer as important for many voters, citing Newsom as an instance. He thought that since Newsom was looking good, this was more important for a large group than the declining status of California’s two major cities under Newsom. Trump concluded his thought by pointing out that Republican-led cities don’t have these issues because they arrest criminals.
Carlson and Trump then had a long discussion about government bureaucracy in the environmental field. Trump talked about how trying to ban gasoline-powered cars and flow restrictors for water-using appliances like washing machines and dishwashers put American manufacturers and consumers at a disadvantage.
Trump said, near the end of the interview, that if he is elected, his top priority will be to seal the southern border. He also mentioned the date of January 6. Trump again avoided answering Carlson’s question on whether he was afraid for his life. He was more forthright about whether he thought there was a chance of civil war. He stated that there was tremendous love and passion in the country, along with tremendous anger over what happened after 2020. Trump did not directly say if he thought civil war was imminent, but he added that the combination of all three was not good.
Tucker’s style of interview was minimalistic. He asked questions and gave Trump the freedom to respond. This may frustrate those who prefer a confrontational style but it put Trump at the forefront, and not Carlson. It’s up to you whether the interview was groundbreaking, but it did allow Trump to speak for a long time. The interview has been viewed over 79,000,000 times on X, formerly Twitter. People want to hear Donald Trump speak, not what other people have to say.
