Tucker Carlson’s prediction that President Donald Trump would announce a war with Venezuela during his Wednesday night address didn’t pan out.
The former Fox News host said earlier that day he had been tipped off about a looming military move, citing what he described as a congressional briefing. But when Trump delivered his speech, there was no declaration of war and no mention of Venezuela.
“Here’s what I know so far, which is that members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming and it’ll be announced in the address to the nation tonight at 9 o’clock by the president,” Carlson said on the “Judging Freedom” podcast with Andrew Napolitano. “Who knows, by the way, if that will actually happen. I don’t know, and I never want to overstate what I know, which is pretty limited in general, but a member of Congress told me that this morning.”
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Tucker Carlson says on the Judging Freedom Podcast that a member of Congress told him that President Trump will be announcing tonight that a “War Is Coming.”What country do you think it will be?!?! pic.twitter.com/a1CY4OLXh8
— Brandon (@LibOrNormal) December 17, 2025
Trump’s address instead focused on domestic issues, including the economy and criticism of the Biden administration.
Carlson’s comments came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the Trump administration stepping up aggressive actions against suspected Venezuelan drug-trafficking operations and seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker in recent weeks.
At least one U.S. senator appeared to reference the rumor circulating ahead of the speech.
“Well at least @potus didn’t announce we are going to war in Venezuela,” Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., wrote on X. “No clue what was the purpose of the speech.”
Carlson’s miss quickly drew attention online, with critics and supporters alike weighing in. Some mocked the prediction outright, while others argued the situation showed how fluid policy discussions can be behind the scenes.
A separate strain of commentary suggested Tucker Carlson may have been repeating information that ultimately didn’t materialize or reflected plans that were later shelved.
The White House did not address the speculation, and Trump made no reference to Venezuela during the address.
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