Prominent conservative media figure Tucker Carlson made a surprise appearance at the White House on Friday, attending an event where former President Donald Trump laid out ambitious plans for Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The sighting comes just a day after Carlson publicly warned that the United States was "moving... towards a world war."
A Surprise Appearance in the East Room
According to the Associated Press, Carlson arrived at the executive mansion earlier on Friday for a private lunch. He subsequently decided to remain for a conference in the East Room, where Trump was addressing a gathering of oil industry executives. Video from the event showed Carlson gleefully clapping as the former president entered the room.
It remains unclear whether Carlson met directly with Trump or Vice President JD Vance during the lunch. The Daily Mail has contacted Carlson's representatives for comment on his visit and its purpose.
Trump's $100 Billion Venezuelan Oil Gambit
The focus of the conference was the administration's controversial strategy regarding Venezuela. Trump claimed that American oil companies, including Chevron, were prepared to invest billions of dollars of private capital to develop the South American nation's fossil fuel infrastructure. This follows the recent US military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which Trump has repeatedly cited as justification for securing the country's energy resources.
"American oil companies... would spend billions ‘of their money, not the government’s money’ to reform the country’s oil infrastructure," Trump stated during the proceedings. The stated goal is to channel $100 billion into Venezuelan oil production.
Non-Interventionist at a Interventionist Event
Carlson's presence at the event is politically notable given his well-known foreign policy stance. Unlike many on the right, he is an outspoken non-interventionist and has advised Trump, both privately and publicly, against military engagements abroad in Ukraine and Iran. As recently as Thursday, he expressed grave concerns about the nation's trajectory.
"All the signs suggest we are going to have a big war soon – a big war soon. I think everyone expects that to happen," Carlson told his followers in an online video. "I hope it doesn’t happen. But obviously we’re moving in that direction – towards a world war."
His decision to attend Friday's conference, which centred on a policy stemming from a foreign military operation, has therefore raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation about his potential influence or a future advisory role within Trump's circle as the Venezuela push continues.
Mixed Reactions and White House Embrace
Despite the apparent policy divergence, Carlson's White House access signals he remains in the former president's favour. Trump defended Carlson in November, acknowledging his long-standing support. However, the visit did not please all of Trump's allies.
Laura Loomer, a pro-Israel influencer and advisor to Trump, launched a fierce critique on social media platform X. She called Carlson's presence "totally disappointing" and "disgusting," questioning why a "Jew hater and Islamic mouthpiece" was permitted at the meeting given his stated opposition to Maduro's capture.
The episode underscores the ongoing tensions within the MAGA movement between non-interventionist and more traditionally hawkish factions, with Carlson's unexpected White House cameo placing him squarely in the middle of the debate.
