Tucker Carlson Blown Away After Trump Says He’d “Get Along Great” With Gavin Newsom

In a recent interview that took many by surprise, former President Donald Trump left Tucker Carlson visibly stunned after stating he would “get along great” with California Governor Gavin Newsom if elected president again. The unexpected remark came during a discussion on political rivalries and leadership, and sharply contrasted with the usual rhetoric shared between Trump, Carlson, and other conservative figures regarding Newsom.

When Carlson brought up California and its governor—often used as examples of liberal policy gone wrong—he likely expected Trump to double down on criticism. Instead, Trump took a different route. He acknowledged that despite their political differences, he had a working relationship with Newsom during his presidency, and praised the governor’s past compliments about him.

“He said things like, ‘He’s doing a great job,’” Trump recalled. “I appreciated that. I think we would get along great.”

The statement clearly caught Carlson off guard. Known for his harsh critiques of Newsom and California’s policies, Carlson momentarily paused before offering a restrained follow-up. The moment stood out, not only for its deviation from the typical combative tone of right-wing media, but also for how it softened the perception of one of their most frequently targeted political opponents.

For years, Carlson has portrayed Newsom as emblematic of failed Democratic leadership, often citing homelessness, crime, and high taxes in California as evidence. To hear Trump speak positively about Newsom—especially in a public forum—seemed to undercut much of that narrative.

The clip quickly circulated online, with many viewers expressing surprise at Trump’s tone. Some conservatives called the comment “strategic,” arguing that Trump was showing himself as someone who could work across the aisle. Others viewed it as inconsistent or even disappointing, questioning why Trump would extend goodwill toward someone often seen as an ideological adversary.

Political analysts were quick to weigh in. Some suggested Trump’s remark could be an intentional move to appeal to moderate voters ahead of the 2024 election, where the ability to appear presidential and pragmatic could be key. Others pointed out that Trump’s praise of Newsom wasn’t entirely new—during the COVID-19 pandemic, the two were occasionally complimentary of each other, at least in public statements.

Adding to the complexity is Carlson’s own fraught relationship with Trump. Leaked messages from internal FOX News communications have revealed that Carlson privately expressed intense frustration with Trump, even stating at one point that he “hates him passionately”—a stark contrast from his on-air support.

Ultimately, the exchange served as a reminder of the unpredictability Trump brings to the political conversation. Whether it was a calculated move or a candid moment of reflection, his unexpected praise for Newsom disrupted expectations and demonstrated once again that Trump often operates outside the traditional partisan script—even when speaking to one of his most prominent media allies.