Tucker Carlson, the contentious conservative commentator, recently discussed his perspective on being dismissed from Fox News in an interview with Balázs Orbán, a key advisor to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Fox News abruptly terminated Carlson on April 24 without prior notice, a move that prompted him to reflect on the experience. He maintains that the firing prevented him from succumbing to excessive egotism, enabling him to perceive himself as being “just like everyone else,” as reported by the Daily Caller.
Expressing gratitude for this ordeal, he remarked, “I’ve loved it.” Carlson acknowledged the support he received from colleagues, particularly his executive producer, Justin Wells, who was also let go following his dismissal.
While the professional shift was notable, Carlson emphasized that his personal life remained relatively unchanged. His family and pets served as constant sources of solace and companionship.
Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Carlson expressed a perspective that might seem surprising: “This is my third time being fired as an adult, and I would recommend it to anybody. It’s great to get fired, because it keeps you from being a truly horrible person.”
He elaborated on the potential pitfalls of success, cautioning against the development of an inflated sense of self-importance. Carlson viewed his firing as a humbling reminder of his humanity and an opportunity for personal growth.
“I’m really glad that I got — and I think my wife is really grateful that I got fired also,” he quipped.
Carlson’s show on Fox News achieved significant success, amassing over four million viewers in 2020, making it one of cable news history’s highest-rated programs, according to The New York Times.
The sustained high ratings made his departure from Fox News surprising, as the loss of advertising revenue from such a popular show would likely impact the network’s overall earnings.
However, this unexpected exit did not signal the end of his broadcasting career. In June, Carlson launched an independent show titled “Tucker on Twitter,” where he continues to deliver monologues and engage in interviews with notable figures, including former President Donald Trump.
His venture into this new platform led Fox News to accuse him of breaching his $20 million contract, which was initially set to expire in January 2025.
