Carville: Tucker Carlson driving controversial Trump nominations

Democratic strategist James Carville said he thinks the person with the most influence over President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominations is former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Carville joined MSNBC’s Ari Melber on Tuesday, where he was shown a clip of journalist Jonathan Lemire claiming Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel to lead the FBI has the president-elect’s former adviser Steve Bannon behind the idea.

“Steve Bannon does not drive this. One person is driving this, I’ll promise you,” Carville said, highlighted by Mediaite. “And it’s Tucker Carlson.”

Carville noted Carlson is an “old friend” of his.

“Everything that I see is the same thing I heard in the green room in 2002,” he continued. “JD Vance, Don. Jr., Kash Patel was Tucker’s business partner.”

Carville dismissed the idea that Bannon could have such influence over Trump when appointing his next administration.

“Tucker is 40 times more clever than Steve Bannon. He’s 40 times more connected,” he said.

He also noted Carlson is linked to tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump chose to co-lead his Department of Government Efficiency after the two became close when Musk donated millions to his campaign.

“He’s a very bright man who should not be underrated,” Carville said.

He continued, driving home his point that Carlson is “very, very, very powerful” and Trump’s choice of Patel “proves that beyond any, any doubt at all.”

Trump chose Patel to lead the FBI, essentially firing current director Christopher Wray, who has a 10-year term that expires in 2027. The choice elevates one of Trump’s staunch allies who sparked internal battles during the first Trump administration.

Patel has called for mass firings at the Justice Department and FBI and stripping clearances from those who investigated Trump in 2016. He also backed Trump during his impeachment investigation.

Topics

Trump nominates Peter Navarro as senior economic adviser

China hawk who served in president-elect’s first term was imprisoned for contempt of Congress over 2021 Capitol attack
Financial Times - 5h
Trump to nominate Republican donor to serve as UK ambassador

Politico - 2d
12:30 Report — Trump’s nomination headaches

{beacon} View Online 12:30 REPORT It’s Wednesday. The 2025 House calendar was released this morning. Now you can start planning your year, Hill folks and journalists. Here’s what’s happening ...
The Hill - 6h
Trump nominates Paul Atkins as SEC chair

President-elect Trump has nominated former Securities and Exchange Commissioner (SEC) Paul Atkins to replace outgoing chair Gary Gensler when he departs on Inauguration Day. “Paul is a proven ...
The Hill - 5h
Trump’s controversial cabinet picks prep for confirmation hearings

President-elect Trump’s controversial cabinet nominees are making the rounds on Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers as their confirmations near. Meanwhile, Trump has announced that his first trip ...
NBC News - 1d
Trump threat and mounting dangers in Mexico drive migrant rush towards US

People waiting in Tapachula by Guatemala border fear Trump’s election could worsen crisis and spur northward flight. Outside the migration office, Tito subtly pointed out the watchful human ...
The Guardian - 1d
Eye Opener: Trump considers replacing Pete Hegseth for defense secretary nomination

Sources tell CBS News that Donald Trump may replace his controversial pick for defense secretary with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Also, airline executives are on Capitol Hill today as Congress ...
CBS News - 10h