Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson was seen at the White House on Friday alongside President Donald Trump, just one day after warning that the U.S. is moving toward a global war.
The former Fox News host was spotted in the East Room during an event where Trump addressed oil executives and outlined plans tied to Venezuela’s energy sector.
Carlson had arrived earlier in the day for lunch at the White House and remained on site for the conference, according to the Associated Press.
It remains unclear whether Carlson met privately with Trump or Vice President JD Vance during the lunch.
As Trump entered the East Room, Carlson was seen applauding as the president walked past him. He remained in the background throughout the event while Trump spoke to attendees.
During the conference, Trump discussed his administration’s strategy to secure $100 billion in investment for Venezuelan oil production.
The president said American oil companies would spend billions of their own money to rebuild and expand the country’s oil infrastructure following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Carlson’s appearance drew attention due to comments he made a day earlier, when he warned that the country was moving toward a major global conflict.
In a video released Thursday, Carlson said all signs pointed to a large-scale war and suggested the situation could escalate into a world war.
Carlson has long positioned himself as a non-interventionist voice within conservative media. He has publicly and privately urged Trump to avoid military conflicts overseas, including in Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela.
Trump has repeatedly cited Venezuela’s massive oil reserves as justification for the military operation that led to Maduro’s capture, per the Daily Mail.
During Friday’s remarks, he said companies such as Chevron would invest heavily in Venezuela’s fossil fuel industry without using taxpayer funds.
Despite Carlson’s past criticism of foreign military involvement, his presence at the White House suggested the administration still welcomes him. Trump has previously defended Carlson, noting in November that the commentator had supported him over the years.
Reactions among conservatives were mixed. Many praised Carlson’s appearance, viewing it as a sign of his continued influence. Others expressed anger and frustration.
Laura Loomer, a pro-Israel conservative influencer and Trump advisor, sharply criticized Carlson’s presence. She called it disappointing and questioned why Carlson was allowed to attend an oil executive meeting after opposing the Maduro operation.
Loomer accused Carlson of hypocrisy and attacked him in a post on X, suggesting his attendance contradicted his stated opposition to the Venezuelan action.
Carlson’s unexpected appearance at the White House has fueled speculation about whether he could play a media or advisory role as the Trump administration moves forward with its Venezuela strategy.
