How did Tucker Carlson become one of the far right's most influential voices?

Tucker Carlson attends a meeting with President Donald Trump and oil executives in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 9, 2026.

Writer Jason Zengerle says Carlson had the foresight to see Trump's potential in 2015. Now he's someone the president "definitely listens to." Zengerle's new book is Hated by All the Right People.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)