Buckley Carlson, the 28-year-old son of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, has been appointed as deputy press secretary for U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. This new role marks a significant step in Carlson’s political career, which began on Capitol Hill in 2019. Despite facing allegations of nepotism in 2022, Carlson has continued to advance in his career. His father, Tucker, remains a controversial figure in media and politics, often drawing criticism for his outspoken views. The younger Carlson’s appointment comes at a time when his father is once again making headlines with unsubstantiated claims about international affairs.

Buckley Carlson’s journey to this position has not been without controversy. Since joining Capitol Hill in 2019, he has held various roles, including staff assistant, communications director, and deputy chief of staff to Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana. In 2022, Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer accused Carlson of securing his positions through nepotism. An anonymous source suggested that Banks hired Carlson to gain favor with the political establishment. These allegations were met with strong defense from prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stood by both Tucker and Buckley Carlson.

The elder Carlson, Tucker, has long been a polarizing figure in American media. Known for his far-right views, Tucker has faced backlash for comments ranging from immigration to election misinformation. In 2018, he made controversial remarks about immigrants, and in 2021, he was involved in a high-profile lawsuit against Fox News for spreading false information about the 2020 election. His tenure at Fox ended abruptly in April 2023 due to tensions with the network. Despite leaving the network, Tucker continues to make headlines, most recently with unfounded claims about the Biden administration’s alleged involvement in an attempt to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Buckley Carlson’s new role within the Office of the Vice President represents a notable advancement in his political career. While his father’s controversial past may cast a shadow over his achievements, Carlson’s own experiences and skills have clearly earned him a place in one of the highest offices in the United States. As he takes on this new responsibility, it will be interesting to see how he navigates the complexities of Washington politics, especially given the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his family name.