How Tucker Carlson went from a CIA reject to the most-watched person on cable news, accused of peddling prejudice to millions

Sophia AnkelJul 19, 2020, 22:25 IST

Fox News host Tucker Carlson discusses 'Populism and the Right' during the National Review Institute's Ideas Summit at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on March 29, 2019, in Washington, DC.Fox News host Tucker Carlson discusses 'Populism and the Right' during the National Review Institute's Ideas Summit at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Tucker Carlson, 51, is the host of the "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Fox News — currently the most-watched cable news program in history.
Before embarking on a career in print and then television journalism, Carlson applied for a job at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) but was rejected.
Over the years, Carlson's controversial comments about immigrants, women, and Black people have landed him in hot water and prompted dozens of companies to pull their advertisements from his show.
Now, prominent Republican figures in the GOP are saying that there is an "emerging consensus" that Carlson would have a strong chance if he were to run for president in 2024.

Drawing an average of 4.3 million viewers in the last quarter, Tucker Carlson is currently the most-watched man in the country.

The Fox News anchor, known for his anti-immigrant views, is becoming increasingly popular with right-wing conservatives.

But he is no stranger to controversy: Over the years, Carlson has made contentious comments about women, immigrants, and Black people that have landed him in hot water and prompted more than a dozen companies to pull their advertisements from his show.

Scroll down to find out how Carlson went from being rejected from the CIA and publicly taken down by Jon Stewart, to drawing massive audiences and being put forward as a likely contender for the 2024 presidency.

Tucker Carlson was born in May 1969 in San Francisco, California into a wealthy family. His father, Richard Warner Carlson, had forged an eventful career in journalism and later politics, and his mother, Lisa McNear, was an artist.

San Francisco, California. Pius Lee/Shutterstock

Tucker Carlson was born in May 1969 in San Francisco, California into a wealthy family. His father, Richard Warner Carlson, had forged an eventful career in journalism and later politics, and his mother, Lisa McNear, was an artist.

At the age of 14, Carlson was sent to a prestigious boarding school on Rhode Island, where he was known for his "beach boy looks" and his ability to dominate the room at the after-dinner debating society.

Tucker Carlson at The Creative Coalitions' panel discussion at Chadwick Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, on June 20, 2002. Kevin Winter/ImageDirect

At the age of 14, Carlson was sent to a prestigious boarding school on Rhode Island, where he was known for his "beach boy looks" and his ability to dominate the room at the after-dinner debating society.

During his time at boarding school, Carlson also met his future wife Susie Andrews, who was the daughter of the then-headmaster, Reverend George Andrews.

Tucker Carlson and wife Susie Andrews are seen leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles, California, on October 20, 2018. Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images

It was in 10th grade of boarding school that Carlson also started sporting his signature look: the bow tie.

Tucker Carlson during a CNN National Town Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, on January 28, 1998. Richard Ellis/Getty Images

After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1991, Carlson applied to work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), but was rejected. It was then that he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in journalism.

The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, on April 13, 2016. Associated Press

After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1991, Carlson applied to work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), but was rejected. It was then that he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in journalism.

After several jobs for weekly newspapers and news magazines, Carlson decided to make the jump to television in 2000. He landed his first memorable roles on the CNN shows "The Spin Room" and "Crossfire."

Lawrence O'Donnell, Tucker Carlson, and Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas take part in a panel discussion on August 31, 2004, in New York City. Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images

After several jobs for weekly newspapers and news magazines, Carlson decided to make the jump to television in 2000. He landed his first memorable roles on the CNN shows "The Spin Room" and "Crossfire."

Carlson's time on CNN's was marked mainly by one incident on "Crossfire" in 2004 when then-Daily Show host Jon Stewart called him a "d***" and said his program "was hurting America."

Jon Stewart debates Tucker Carlson on CNN's "Crossfire" show on October 15, 2004. Alex Felker/YouTube

Carlson's time on CNN's was marked mainly by one incident on "Crossfire" in 2004 when then-Daily Show host Jon Stewart called him a "d***" and said his program "was hurting America."

In 2006, Carlson participated in Season 3 of "Dancing with the Stars" but was eliminated in the first round. By this point, the TV host had left CNN and was working for MSNBC.

Tucker Carlson and Elena Grinenko on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show," on September 13, 2006. Adam Larkey/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

In 2006, Carlson participated in Season 3 of "Dancing with the Stars" but was eliminated in the first round. By this point, the TV host had left CNN and was working for MSNBC.

Carlson was once a "pretty heroic" drinker according to one of his friends, but quit in 2002. He also reportedly buys nicotine gum in bulk from New Zealand, telling the "Gavin McInnes Show" in 2017 that he spends around $300 a week on it.

Tucker Carlson, Christopher Buckley, and Jason Reitman pose at the Creative Coalition and The Atlantic Media Company reception on April 29, 2006, in Washington, DC. Nancy Ostertag/Getty Images

Carlson was once a "pretty heroic" drinker according to one of his friends, but quit in 2002. He also reportedly buys nicotine gum in bulk from New Zealand, telling the "Gavin McInnes Show" in 2017 that he spends around $300 a week on it.

At the age of 40, Carlson found himself unemployed after MSNBC canceled his show due to low ratings. This prompted him to launch The Daily Caller — a right-wing news website that regularly features articles written by white supremacists.

Tucker Carlson at the office of the new website, the Daily Caller, on January 6, 2010, in Washington, DC. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

At the age of 40, Carlson found himself unemployed after MSNBC canceled his show due to low ratings. This prompted him to launch The Daily Caller — a right-wing news website that regularly features articles written by white supremacists.

In 2009, Carlson joined Fox News as a contributor, appearing on shows like "Fox and Friends" and jumping in as a substitute host of "Hannity."

Traffic on Sixth Avenue passes by advertisements featuring Fox News personalities, in New York City, on March 13, 2019. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

In 2016, Fox News gave Carlson his own show "Tucker Carlson Tonight", which would eventually move into former host Bill O'Reilly's prime time slot and become massively popular.

In this March 2, 2017 file photo, Tucker Carlson, host of "Tucker Carlson Tonight," poses for photos in a Fox News Channel studio, in New York. Richard Drew, File via AP

In 2016, Fox News gave Carlson his own show "Tucker Carlson Tonight", which would eventually move into former host Bill O'Reilly's prime time slot and become massively popular.

Over the years, Carlson has been making headlines with controversial on-air comments about immigrants, women, and Black people. After a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, in 2019, where the shooter left behind a manifesto about a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Carlson said white supremacy was "not a real problem."

Tucker Carlson on Fox News. Fox News

Over the years, Carlson has been making headlines with controversial on-air comments about immigrants, women, and Black people. After a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, in 2019, where the shooter left behind a manifesto about a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Carlson said white supremacy was "not a real problem."

In December 2018, Carlson sparked anger when he said that immigrants would make the country "poorer and dirtier." He never apologized and instead, accused the backlash as being an attack on freedom of speech.

Tucker Carlson speaks onstage during Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center on October 21, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Politicon

In December 2018, Carlson sparked anger when he said that immigrants would make the country "poorer and dirtier." He never apologized and instead, accused the backlash as being an attack on freedom of speech.

Carlson has also made numerous comments about women. In one debate about President Trump with Teen Vogue contributor Lauren Duca in 2016, Carlson told her to "stick to the thigh-high boots." Duca later said she received extensive online bullying and from men online as a result of the interview.

Tucker Carlson and Lauren Duca. Screenshot via YouTube

Carlson has also made numerous comments about women. In one debate about President Trump with Teen Vogue contributor Lauren Duca in 2016, Carlson told her to "stick to the thigh-high boots." Duca later said she received extensive online bullying and from men online as a result of the interview.

Most recently, Carlson found himself in more controversy after a CNN investigation found that his top writer, Blake Neff, was posting racist and sexist comments online under a pseudonym.

Tucker Carlson on "Tucker Carlson Tonight." @FoxNews/Twitter

Most recently, Carlson found himself in more controversy after a CNN investigation found that his top writer, Blake Neff, was posting racist and sexist comments online under a pseudonym.

The Fox News hosts contentious comments have prompted several companies to pull their advertisements from his show on numerous occasions.

Tucker Carlson. Fox News

But over the years, Carlson's viewing numbers have shot up. "Tucker Carlson Tonight" is currently the most-watch cable news program in history and also attracts well over 60 million views on YouTube.

Tucker Carlson. Twitter

But over the years, Carlson's viewing numbers have shot up. "Tucker Carlson Tonight" is currently the most-watch cable news program in history and also attracts well over 60 million views on YouTube.

As Carlson sees growing success on his TV show, there are rumors that the could become a favored predecessor to President Trump. According to Politico, more than a dozen prominent Republicans said there's an "emerging consensus" in the GOP that the Fox News host would have a strong chance if he were to run for president in 2024.

Tucker Carlson interviews President Donald Trump on July 2, 2019. Fox News

As Carlson sees growing success on his TV show, there are rumors that the could become a favored predecessor to President Trump. According to Politico, more than a dozen prominent Republicans said there's an "emerging consensus" in the GOP that the Fox News host would have a strong chance if he were to run for president in 2024.

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How Tucker Carlson went from a CIA reject to the most-watched person on cable news, accused of peddling prejudice to millions

Tucker Carlson was born in May 1969 in San Francisco, California into a wealthy family. His father, Richard Warner Carlson, had forged an eventful career in journalism and later politics, and his mother, Lisa McNear, was an artist.

At the age of 14, Carlson was sent to a prestigious boarding school on Rhode Island, where he was known for his "beach boy looks" and his ability to dominate the room at the after-dinner debating society.

During his time at boarding school, Carlson also met his future wife Susie Andrews, who was the daughter of the then-headmaster, Reverend George Andrews.

It was in 10th grade of boarding school that Carlson also started sporting his signature look: the bow tie.

After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1991, Carlson applied to work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), but was rejected. It was then that he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in journalism.

After several jobs for weekly newspapers and news magazines, Carlson decided to make the jump to television in 2000. He landed his first memorable roles on the CNN shows "The Spin Room" and "Crossfire."

Carlson's time on CNN's was marked mainly by one incident on "Crossfire" in 2004 when then-Daily Show host Jon Stewart called him a "d***" and said his program "was hurting America."

In 2006, Carlson participated in Season 3 of "Dancing with the Stars" but was eliminated in the first round. By this point, the TV host had left CNN and was working for MSNBC.

Carlson was once a "pretty heroic" drinker according to one of his friends, but quit in 2002. He also reportedly buys nicotine gum in bulk from New Zealand, telling the "Gavin McInnes Show" in 2017 that he spends around $300 a week on it.

At the age of 40, Carlson found himself unemployed after MSNBC canceled his show due to low ratings. This prompted him to launch The Daily Caller — a right-wing news website that regularly features articles written by white supremacists.

In 2009, Carlson joined Fox News as a contributor, appearing on shows like "Fox and Friends" and jumping in as a substitute host of "Hannity."

In 2016, Fox News gave Carlson his own show "Tucker Carlson Tonight", which would eventually move into former host Bill O'Reilly's prime time slot and become massively popular.

In December 2018, Carlson sparked anger when he said that immigrants would make the country "poorer and dirtier." He never apologized and instead, accused the backlash as being an attack on freedom of speech.

Carlson has also made numerous comments about women. In one debate about President Trump with Teen Vogue contributor Lauren Duca in 2016, Carlson told her to "stick to the thigh-high boots." Duca later said she received extensive online bullying and from men online as a result of the interview.

Most recently, Carlson found himself in more controversy after a CNN investigation found that his top writer, Blake Neff, was posting racist and sexist comments online under a pseudonym.

The Fox News hosts contentious comments have prompted several companies to pull their advertisements from his show on numerous occasions.

But over the years, Carlson's viewing numbers have shot up. "Tucker Carlson Tonight" is currently the most-watch cable news program in history and also attracts well over 60 million views on YouTube.