Fact Check: Will Tucker Carlson Become Trump’s Press Secretary?

A purported statement from President-elect Donald Trump’s team that Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host and conservative pundit, had been named White House press secretary circulated widely on social media platforms like X on Wednesday.

Following Trump’s latest wave of Cabinet appointments this week, the alleged statement sparked mixed reactions online. Many turned to search engines for confirmation, while some users on X questioned the authenticity of the announcement.

The claim

A post shared on

“Tucker has had a distinguished career in traditional and broadcast media and, despite being a lifelong journalist, is a true American patriot,” reads the alleged statement, which was shared thousands of times on X.

The facts

As of November 13, 2024, President-elect Trump’s transition team has not provided official confirmation regarding the appointment of Tucker Carlson as White House Press Secretary. Trump doesn’t have this on Truth Social,

Journalist Curt Mills addressed the rumors on social media, calling the circulating statement about Carlson’s appointment “FAKE.” Mills added that a playful, standardized message from Carlson’s network may have caused confusion, leading some users to interpret it as an official announcement.

Tucker Carlson, known for his time on Fox News and his support for Trump, has not publicly indicated he would take on the role of White House press secretary. Additionally, no credible news sources have reported on or confirmed his appointment, suggesting the claim is based on misinformation rather than fact.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Karoline Leavitt is widely seen as the front-runner in the Trump campaign, having served as the campaign’s key spokesperson and ambassador. Other potential candidates include Steven Cheung, Trump’s 2024 campaign strategist, and Alina Habba, who rose to prominence during Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York.

Newsweek has reached out to Trump’s team for comment.

The verdict

INCORRECT. There is no verified information or official announcement confirming the appointment of Tucker Carlson as President-elect Donald Trump’s White House Press Secretary. The claims circulating online appear to be unsubstantiated rumors with no credible basis, and none of Trump’s official campaign channels are announcing the news.

FACT CHECK FROM Newsweek