Tucker Carlson publicly deepened his dispute with President Donald Trump on Friday, responding sharply after the president criticized several conservative media figures who have voiced opposition to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to Newsmax correspondent James Rosen, Carlson reacted to Trump’s comments from the previous day with pointed remarks about the president’s position and independence.

“I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves.”

When pressed to explain his statement, Carlson suggested that outside pressures are limiting Trump’s decision-making ability.

“He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”

Trump’s criticism had been directed at a group of high-profile conservative commentators, including Carlson and Megyn Kelly, both formerly of Fox News and now independent podcasters, as well as Candace Owens and Alex Jones, who have also built large followings online.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump harshly attacked the group.

“They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!”

The commentators have been openly critical of Trump’s handling of the Iran situation, arguing that his actions contradict earlier anti-war positions and suggesting, to varying degrees, that he has yielded to pressure from Israel.

Trump continued his criticism by dismissing their relevance and influence.

“They don’t have what it takes, and they never did! They’ve all been thrown off Television, lost their Shows, and aren’t even invited on TV because nobody cares about them, they’re NUT JOBS, TROUBLEMAKERS, and will say anything necessary for some ‘free’ and cheap publicity,” Trump wrote.