Tucker Carlson, the conservative American commentator who was once a close Trump aide but has since parted ways [AP=Yonhap News file photo]

Tucker Carlson, a conservative American commentator who was once known as a close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump but has since completely severed ties, has revealed plans to establish a new third party.

According to a report by the U.S. daily The New York Times (NYT) on the 2nd (local time), Carlson said in an interview published the previous day with the 'Columbia Journalism Review' that he would "help start a third party," adding, "There needs to be a good-faith effort to figure out what is in the best interest of this country."

Carlson, who holds strong conservative views but has also shown anti-Semitic tendencies, is a former Fox News host and was a prominent influencer within the 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) camp, which forms the core of President Trump’s support base.

In 2024, he was known as a key aide who helped Trump get elected through full-throated support.

However, he has criticized President Trump this year, arguing that the war with Iran was a result of prioritizing Israel's security over that of the United States, and that it betrayed Trump's campaign promise not to start new wars. He even left the Republican Party last month.

Regarding Carlson's plans for a third party, the NYT noted, "It comes at a time of upheaval within both parties," adding, "Within the Democratic Party, an anti-establishment left has risen due to growing anger over the party leadership’s stance on Israel following the Gaza war, while the Republican Party is divided over Trump's handling of the Iran war."

In the interview, Carlson pointed out that the Democratic and Republican parties have failed to provide a sufficient contrast on issues of war and finance, stating, "This is not a democracy. It is a one-party state masquerading as a democracy, and it must be dismantled. There will be a third party, and I will do everything I can to make that happen."

However, regarding whether he would run for office himself, he said he had no such plans, stating, "I am not a politician. I am not a power rival to Trump. I have no power."