Buckley Carlson, son of media personality Tucker Carlson and Susan Andrews, has been steadily building a career in American politics. Born in 1997, he has held various roles on Capitol Hill and currently serves as Deputy Press Secretary to Vice President J.D. Vance. Despite his familial ties, Buckley has carved out his path in the political arena.
Early Life and Education
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Birth and Family Background: Born in 1997 to Tucker Carlson and Susan Andrews.
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Education: Graduated from the University of Virginia in 2019 with a degree in Government and Political Science.
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Fraternity Involvement: Active member of the Zeta Psi fraternity during his time at UVA.
Political Career
2017: White House Internship
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Buckley Carlson served as a communications intern during the Trump administration, gaining early exposure to governmental communications.
2019–2024: Roles with Rep. Jim Banks
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Staff Assistant (July 2019 – August 2019): Managed constituent communications and administrative tasks.
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Press Assistant (September 2019): Assisted in drafting press releases and coordinating media interactions.
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Deputy Chief of Staff (January 2023 – December 2024): Oversaw legislative initiatives and communication strategies.
2025–Present: Deputy Press Secretary to Vice President J.D. Vance
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Appointed in January 2025, responsible for managing the Vice President’s communications and media relations.
Personal Life
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Marriage: Married Kelsey Kilgore, a political consultant and former White House policy advisor, on May 27, 2023, in Hiltons, Virginia.
Public Incidents and Media Attention
2018: Country Club Incident
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In October 2018, an incident occurred at the Farmington Country Club in Virginia involving the Buckley Carlson family. A man allegedly made inappropriate comments to Buckley’s teenage sister. In response, Buckley confronted the individual, leading to a verbal altercation. The man later accused Tucker Carlson of assault, a claim Tucker denied, stating he was defending his daughter. The incident received media coverage, including reports by The Washington Post and Politico.
2022: Nepotism Allegations
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In 2022, questions arose regarding Buckley’s appointment as Communications Director for Rep. Jim Banks, with some alleging nepotism due to his father’s prominence. Prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly defended Buckley, emphasizing his qualifications and work ethic. The controversy was reported by Vanity Fair.
Achievements and Outlook
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Capitol Hill Experience: Accumulated extensive experience in political communications and legislative processes through various roles.
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Executive Branch Role: As Deputy Press Secretary to the Vice President, plays a key role in shaping and conveying the administration’s messages.
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Professional Reputation: Recognized for his dedication and competence, with a trajectory indicating potential for future leadership roles in political communications.
Conclusion
Buckley Carlson has established himself as a competent political communicator, independent of his family’s media legacy. His journey reflects a commitment to public service and effective communication within the political landscape.
