Tucker Carlson's Son Buckley Exits White House Role as Trump-Carlson Feud Intensifies

In a development that underscores the deepening rift between former allies, Buckley Carlson, son of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, has departed his role as Deputy Press Secretary to Vice President JD Vance. The exit comes as President Trump continues his public war of words with the elder Carlson, whom he recently called "a low-IQ person."

A Departure Amid Family Drama

Buckley Carlson, who is in his late 20s, had been serving in Vance's communications team since the beginning of Trump's second term in January 2025. According to multiple reports, the younger Carlson is now planning to launch his own political consulting firm, marking a clean break from the Trump administration.

While mid-term exits from White House press roles aren't uncommon, the timing of Buckley's departure is particularly noteworthy given the increasingly hostile relationship between his father and President Trump.

The Trump-Tucker Feud Explodes

What was once a mutually beneficial relationship between Trump and Tucker Carlson has devolved into a bitter public feud. The breaking point appears to have been Trump's decision to attack Iran, which the former Fox News host had reportedly lobbied strongly against.

Tucker Carlson hasn't held back in his criticism, suggesting that Trump may be compromised or under the influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a particularly provocative moment last week, Carlson even entertained questions about whether the president could be the antichrist.

Trump has responded with characteristic fury, unleashing a barrage of personal attacks through his Truth Social platform. "Flailing Fools like Tucker Carlson, who couldn't even finish College, he was a broken man when he got fired from Fox, and he's never been the same — Perhaps he should see a good psychiatrist!" the president wrote in one particularly scathing post.

Behind-the-Scenes Role

During his tenure with Vice President Vance, Buckley Carlson maintained a largely behind-the-scenes presence, working under Press Secretary Taylor Van Kirk. Van Kirk, who previously served as communications director for Vance's 2022 Senate campaign, has been a key figure in shaping the Vice President's public messaging.

According to Politico, which first reported the departure, Buckley had actually been preparing to leave as early as last year but stayed on to help with the transition to new team members—a decision that speaks to his professionalism despite the family drama swirling around his position.

Political Pedigree and Future Plans

Before joining the Trump administration, Buckley Carlson cut his teeth working for then-Representative Jim Banks (R-Ind.), serving first as deputy chief of staff before being promoted to communications director in 2021. This experience gave him valuable insight into both legislative and communications strategies.

His decision to launch a political consulting firm suggests he's leveraging the connections and experience gained during his time in Washington. The move also allows him to distance himself from the increasingly toxic relationship between his father and the Trump administration.

Broader Implications

The younger Carlson's exit reflects the broader challenges facing the Trump administration as it navigates its second year in office. Staff turnover has been a consistent feature of Trump's presidency, but departures tied to family feuds add an additional layer of complexity.

The Trump-Carlson split also highlights the evolving dynamics within conservative media and politics. Tucker Carlson, once one of Trump's most reliable media allies, has emerged as one of his most vocal critics from the right, particularly on foreign policy issues.

Looking Ahead

As Buckley Carlson prepares to launch his consulting firm, questions remain about whether the Trump-Tucker feud will continue to escalate. The president has shown no signs of backing down from his attacks, while the elder Carlson appears equally committed to his criticism of the administration's foreign policy decisions.

For the younger Carlson, the move represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Starting a political consulting firm with his name recognition could prove advantageous, but he'll need to navigate the delicate balance of leveraging his connections while avoiding getting caught in the crossfire of his father's political battles.

The departure serves as yet another reminder that in Trump's Washington, personal relationships and political alliances can shift dramatically—sometimes with consequences that extend well beyond the principals involved.