Trump, Tucker Carlson mull alternative Republican primary debate: report

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is reportedly in discussions with former President Donald Trump to moderate an alternative Republican candidate forum, as the the pair move on from the cable news network.

Trump has threatened to boycott the first Republican debate, which Fox News will host, amid increasingly frayed relations between him and the network. Carlson, meanwhile, is reportedly looking to build a media presence for himself in the aftermath of his firing and has approached Trump about the independent forum, the Washington Post reported, citing "people familiar with his thinking."

While numerous outlets such as Newsmax and One America News have approached Carlson about joining their networks, he is reportedly looking for options that will permit him to express his voice through multiple mediums, such as through documentaries and live events.

Complicating matters is Carlson's contract with Fox, which reportedly runs through the end of 2024. The former host is reportedly considering a deal to take less money that he may be owed in order to secure freedom to pursue other projects in time for the next presidential election.

An alternative debate would rank among most high-profile of projects for the media personality, though it may prove difficult to orchestrate. Trump, currently the runaway leader in the most primary polls, could conceivably lend credence to the prospect with his participation and draw his challengers to that stage.

At present, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have declared challenges to Trump while South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is exploring a bid.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.