His lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, categorically ruled out the possibility of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson joining the 2024 presidential race. Instead, Dhillon put to bed any ideas that Carlson may be persuaded to run in a cease-and-desist letter addressed to the Draft Tucker PAC.
Despite Carlson’s immense popularity among conservative audiences, Dhillon stated unequivocally, “Mr. Carlson will not run for President in 2024 under any circumstances.” The strong statement puts a hard stop to speculations swirling around a possible Carlson bid for the highest office in the land.
I wasn’t consulted for this article, but whatever, goal accomplished in short order, and sticks and stones and all that. Tucker will focus on what he does best, the rest is just noise. Draft Tucker PAC ceases activities after legal threat from Carlson https://t.co/qSgaLAIRAp
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) May 23, 2023
Draft Tucker PAC, who, under the leadership of Charlie Kolean and Elizabeth Curtis, aimed to rally support and collect funds for Carlson’s potential candidacy, is now forced to cease operations. Dhillon charged them with causing damage to Carlson’s reputation by defrauding his supporters through false representation. Furthermore, she stressed that the PAC’s activities were a futile waste of time and donor resources as they “will not, in fact, be used for the stated purpose.”
The PAC’s chairman, Chris Ekstrom, revealed that their efforts had only raised $212 online, supplemented by his own $35,000 contribution. Following the letter from Dhillon, Ekstrom stated that the funds raised would either be given to a charity supported by Carlson or returned to the donors.
Ekstrom, a former congressional candidate in Texas, clarified his sentiments. He expressed regret for supporting Dhillon’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to unseat RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Further, he mentioned his hope that Carlson, whom he sees as “the heir of Fearless Rush Limbaugh,” would have been able to shift the GOP presidential primary field further to the right.
The situation has clarified for Carlson’s fans who had hoped for his entry into the political arena. However, Dhillon’s decisive letter underscores the fact that using a public figure’s name and likeness to raise funds and gather data without their consent is problematic.
While this news may disappoint those hoping for a Carlson presidential bid, it also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of respecting public figures’ personal wishes and rights. It emphasizes that using such a figure’s name for personal or political gain without consent is unacceptable.
According to Dhillon, Carlson is looking forward to sharing the details of his new projects with the public shortly.
