Explosive statements by the American journalist spark widespread controversy
In an exclusive interview that garnered widespread attention, prominent American journalist Tucker Carlson launched a series of scathing attacks on US and Western leaders, describing them as "selfish and unwise" and accusing them of creating conflicts to conceal their actions. This came during his interview with Saudi journalist Abdullah Al-Mudayfer on the Ramadan program "Al-Liwan" on Rotana Khalijia channel.
During the meeting, Carlson asserted that the worst kind of leaders are those who refuse to admit their mistakes, claiming that the COVID-19 pandemic was a "lie" used to harm people and force them to receive vaccines that, according to him, caused some deaths. These remarks add to his long record of controversial opinions and sharp criticism of the Washington establishment.
Background and context of Carlson's statements
Tucker Carlson is one of the most influential conservative media voices in the United States. After leaving Fox News, he launched his own show on X (formerly Twitter), giving him an independent global platform. This interview comes in the context of a tour Carlson undertook that included Russia, where he conducted a highly publicized interview with President Vladimir Putin in February 2024—a move criticized by many Western media outlets but watched by millions. Carlson believes the American media is controlled by the government, claiming that during his previous work, he received direct orders on what to tell the public, and that asking sensitive questions about US foreign policy, such as the nature of the alliance with Israel or the documents related to the 9/11 attacks, could end a journalist's career.
Expected impact at both the regional and international levels
Carlson's remarks, particularly given their delivery from a prominent Arab media outlet, carry significant implications. They reflect a deep rift within the American political and media landscape and offer an alternative narrative to the Middle Eastern public, one that contradicts the official narrative of US foreign policy. His discussion of declining American hegemony and the potential for global chaos resonates with existing anxieties amidst current geopolitical shifts. Carlson also expressed profound regret for his support of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, describing it as one of his greatest shames—an admission that resonates strongly in the Arab world, which has suffered the consequences of that war.
Criticism of US foreign policy
Carlson didn't stop there. He went on to strongly criticize US support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, revealing that US forces had tried to prevent him from interviewing President Putin. He asserted that his aim in the interview was to "embarrass his government," which he believes is not acting in the best interests of its country. He quoted a close advisor to Putin as warning that Russia might be forced to use nuclear weapons against Britain and Germany if the war in Ukraine continues, highlighting the extent of global tensions that Carlson believes Western leaders are responsible for fueling.
