Former Fox News Host Tucker Carlson May Receive Investments from Wealthy GOP Business Donors
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is reportedly in talks with two of the wealthiest GOP business megadonors, Rebekah Mercer and Peter Thiel, about potentially investing in his new media company. Mercer, who had discussions with Carlson since his departure from Fox News in April, is considering investing in the as-yet-unnamed media company, according to anonymous sources. Thiel has also hinted at the possibility of investing in the venture after hearing from Carlson’s side.
Although it is unclear if Thiel or Mercer have officially moved forward with a financing plan, their interest in helping Carlson suggests that his new project is gaining traction among prominent conservative megadonors. Carlson and his business partner, Neil Patel, are reportedly seeking to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to fund the company.
CNBC reported that 1789 Capital, an investment firm where Mercer is listed as an executive officer, could potentially be involved in financing the venture. The firm is already planning to make an eight-figure investment into Carlson’s media project. Mercer, whose interest in conservative startups is well-known, has reportedly invested in a 1789 Capital fund worth $150 million.
After leaving Fox News, Carlson began hosting an episodic show on X, formerly known as Twitter. The new media venture aims to create full-length versions of Carlson’s X episodes and generate revenue through a subscription model.
Mercer and Thiel have a history of supporting conservative startups. Mercer was an investor in Breitbart News and Parler, while Thiel-backed the now-defunct “anti-woke” bank GloriFi and The Right Stuff, a dating app for conservatives. Thiel has donated over $32 million to Republican candidates or political action committees since the 2016 election cycle, according to OpenSecrets. Mercer has contributed over $500,000 to GOP candidates since 2016.
While Thiel has no plans to support individual candidates in the current Republican presidential primary, the Mercers have not indicated any immediate plans to back former President Donald Trump’s latest run for president. Carlson, however, appears to be positioning himself for a role in the 2024 election. He recently hosted the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa, where he interviewed several Republican presidential candidates. Carlson also spoke at the July Turning Point USA conference, which featured other 2024 hopefuls addressing a crowd of young conservative voters.