Major Controversies Surrounding Tucker Carlson: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Tucker Carlson—discover key moments of controversy.
Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political commentator known for hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News from 2016 to 2023. He is now the host of Tucker on X and The Tucker Carlson Show. A proponent of Donald Trump, Carlson has become an influential voice in right-wing media, often associated with Trumpism and white grievance politics. His commentary and shows have generated both significant viewership and considerable controversy.
1972: Normalization of relations with China
Tucker Carlson has said normalization of relations with China following President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit led to unforeseen consequences, and that America became progressively worse off for it.
1999: Interview with George W. Bush
In 1999, Tucker Carlson interviewed then-Governor George W. Bush for Talk magazine, which led to bad publicity for Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.
October 2004: Jon Stewart's Appearance on Crossfire
In October 2004, Jon Stewart appeared on Crossfire and criticized the show and Tucker Carlson, leading to discussions about political discourse.
2004: Jon Stewart Confrontation on Crossfire
In 2004, Lyz Lenz of the Columbia Journalism Review noted that Carlson's debate style mirrors Jon Stewart's confrontation of Carlson on Crossfire, describing Stewart then and Carlson now as both "com[ing] out of the gate with an impossible line of questioning and a disingenuous defense".
2004: Expressed opposition to nanny-state regulations
In 2004, Tucker Carlson stated his opposition to what he described as "nanny-state regulations," citing seat belt laws and smoking bans as examples.
2004: Criticized Bush and the Iraq War in Esquire
In 2004, Tucker Carlson wrote a commentary in Esquire accusing President Bush of weakness after the September 11 attacks and in the invasion of Iraq. He also made derogatory comments about the Iraqi population.
2006: Use of Offensive Language
From 2006 to 2011, Tucker Carlson used the words pig and cunt to describe several individual women on the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge.
2006: Racist Comments
In 2006, Tucker Carlson made racist comments about Iraqis and Muslims.
2006: Reported live from Israel during the Lebanon War
In 2006, Tucker Carlson reported live from Israel during the 2006 Lebanon War. He proposed that Lebanon fight Hezbollah and criticized Syria's involvement, while also expressing support for the Israel Defense Forces but criticizing their tactics.
2007: Comments on Gay Marriage
In 2007, Tucker Carlson described an incident of beating up a gay man and stated he would support legalizing same-sex marriage.
2008: Wright's Sermons Spark Controversy in Obama's Campaign
In 2008, Reverend Jeremiah Wright's sermons caused a controversy in Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
June 2010: The Daily Caller Publishes JournoList Excerpts
In June 2010, The Daily Caller published excerpts from e-mails sent between members of JournoList.
2011: Use of Offensive Language
From 2006 to 2011, Tucker Carlson used the words pig and cunt to describe several individual women on the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge.
2011: Protest outside Carlson's house
In 2011, a group of protesters gathered outside Tucker Carlson's house in Kent, Washington, D.C., to protest Carlson.
February 2012: The Daily Caller Publishes Exposé on Media Matters
In February 2012, The Daily Caller published an "investigative series" of articles co-authored by Carlson, purporting to be an insiders' exposé of Media Matters for America and its founder David Brock.
October 2012: Carlson Publicizes Obama Video
In October 2012, Tucker Carlson publicized a 2007 video recording of then-Senator Barack Obama criticizing the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
March 2016: Criticism of Mitt Romney's Denouncement of Trump
In March 2016, after Mitt Romney denounced Donald Trump for his "disqualifying and disgusting response" to questions about David Duke's support, Tucker Carlson criticized Romney and dismissed his speech by suggesting "Obama could have written this."
2016: Trump Campaign Buys Subscriber List from Daily Caller
In 2016, Donald Trump's presidential campaign paid The Daily Caller $150,000 for its list of subscribers, whom the Trump campaign then emailed at least 25 times.
June 2017: The Daily Caller Paid by Trump Campaign
In June 2017, it was reported that The Daily Caller was paid $150,000 by Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign for its list of subscribers, leading to conflict of interest concerns.
July 2017: Stated Iran posed no domestic threat to the US
In July 2017, Tucker Carlson said that "we actually don't face any domestic threat from Iran". He asked Max Boot to "tell me how many Americans in the United States have been murdered by terrorists backed by Iran since 9/11?"
September 19, 2017: GQ profile describes Carlson's tactics
On September 19, 2017, Stephen Rodrick wrote in a GQ profile of Carlson that on his show, Carlson mocks and verbally body-slams those who disagree with him.
2017: Disapproval of White Supremacy
In 2017, Tucker Carlson stated that he does not approve of white supremacy.
April 2018: Questioned Assad's responsibility for Douma chemical attack
In April 2018, Tucker Carlson questioned whether Bashar al-Assad was responsible for the Douma chemical attack that had occurred a few days earlier and killed dozens.
August 2018: Allegations About South African Government Targeting White Farmers
In August 2018, Tucker Carlson alleged that the South African government was targeting white farmers because "they are the wrong skin color" and made false claims about land theft. These claims were refuted by multiple news organizations.
November 2018: Protest Outside Carlson's Home
In November 2018, a "Smash Racism D.C." group protested outside Tucker Carlson's home in Washington, D.C., and his driveway was vandalized.
2018: Criticism of China's Treatment of Muslims
In 2018, Tucker Carlson criticized China's treatment of Muslims.
2018: Comments on Mass Immigration
In 2018, Tucker Carlson described the effects of mass immigration on the United States using the terms dirtier, poorer, and more divided, also saying it "has badly hurt this country's natural landscape". He also questioned multiculturalism in the United States.
2018: Carlson incorrectly argues Donald Trump was victim of extortion
In 2018, Tucker Carlson incorrectly argued that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by Karen McDougal, which later led to a slander lawsuit against Fox News, defended in 2020.
2018: Denial of Racism and Promotion of Conspiracy Theories
In 2018, amid accusations of promoting racism, Tucker Carlson denied being a racist, stating, "I'm not a racist. I hate racism." Additionally, commentators described him as promoting racism through his rhetoric. Also in 2018, Bill Kristol described Carlson's commentaries as "close now to racism" and "ethno-nationalism of some kind, let's call it".
2018: Carlson Accuses McDougal of Extortion
In a 2018 episode of his show, Tucker Carlson accused Karen McDougal of extorting Donald Trump, leading to a lawsuit in December 2019.
2018: Protests at Carlson's home
In late 2018, protesters gathered in front of Tucker Carlson's home.
January 2019: Criticized "mainstream Republican" worldview
In January 2019, Tucker Carlson used a The Washington Post op-ed by Romney to criticize what he described as the "mainstream Republican" worldview, consisting of "unwavering support for a finance-based economy."
March 2019: Calls to Fire Carlson over Remarks
In March 2019, there were calls to fire Tucker Carlson from Fox News after Media Matters resurfaced remarks he had made over several years to the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge concerning women, statutory rape, Iraqis, and immigrants.
May 2019: Defended Trump's tariffs on Mexico
In May 2019, Tucker Carlson defended President Trump's decision to place tariffs on Mexico unless Mexico stopped illegal immigration to the United States, stating that Mexico is a hostile foreign power.
May 2019: Comments on Illegal Workers
In May 2019, Tucker Carlson stated that the "flood of illegal workers into the United States has damaged our communities, ruined our schools, burdened our healthcare system and fractured our national unity."
June 2019: Defended Trump's friendship with Kim Jong-un
In June 2019, Tucker Carlson defended President Trump's friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He acknowledged the North Korean regime was "monstrous" but argued that leading a country "means killing people".
July 9, 2019: Criticism of Ilhan Omar
On July 9, 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized Representative Ilhan Omar, accusing her of being ungrateful to the United States and implying that immigration practices were dangerous. This monologue was described as "racially loaded" and incited criticism.
November 2019: Repeated claims about Douma chemical attack and suggested false flag
In November 2019, Tucker Carlson repeated his claim questioning whether the Douma chemical attack had happened at all. He also suggested the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack was a false flag operation.
December 2019: Karen McDougal Sues Fox News
In December 2019, Playboy model Karen McDougal sued Fox News after Carlson accused her of extorting Donald Trump.
December 2019: False Claims About Immigrants and the Potomac River
In December 2019, Tucker Carlson falsely claimed that immigrants were responsible for making the Potomac River "dirtier and dirtier".
2019: Release of Racist Comments by Media Matters
In 2019, Media Matters for America released recordings of racist comments made by Tucker Carlson in 2006, including derogatory remarks about Iraqis and Muslims.
2019: Accusations of Democrats and the Great Replacement Theory
In 2019, Tucker Carlson accused Democrats of supporting increased immigration to change the racial demographics of the United States. Commentators described these views as endorsement of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.
2019: Criticized LeBron James for speaking out against Daryl Morey
In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized LeBron James for speaking out against Daryl Morey, who tweeted in support of the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests.
2019: Criticized hedge funds and praised Elizabeth Warren's economic plan
In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized hedge funds (singling out the Republican donor Paul Singer) and praised Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren's economic plan. He also called Warren's book "The Two Income Trap" one of the best books he's ever read on economics.
2019: Expressed support for Russia
In 2019, during a discussion about U.S. military aid to Ukraine on his show, Tucker Carlson stated, "Why shouldn't I root for Russia? Which I am", later claiming it was a joke. He followed this by saying, "I think we should probably take the side of Russia if we have to choose between Russia and Ukraine".
May 2020: Questioning the Severity of COVID-19
By May 2020, Tucker Carlson began to publicly question the severity of the COVID-19 virus and criticized stay-at-home orders.
July 2020: Blake Neff Resigns from Tucker Carlson Tonight
In July 2020, Blake Neff, Carlson's head writer, resigned after CNN Business reported his racist, sexist, and homophobic posts on AutoAdmit.
August 2020: Defense of Kyle Rittenhouse
In August 2020, Tucker Carlson aired segments defending Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot three protesters, killing two, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
September 2020: Carlson discusses lying on TV
In September 2020, on The Rubin Report, Tucker Carlson stated that he tries not to lie on TV, but admits he will if he's "really cornered or something", citing weakness as a reason.
November 20, 2020: Promoted COVID-19 lab leak theory on his show
On November 20, 2020, Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui brought Li-Meng Yan to America to promote the COVID-19 lab leak theory. Bannon and Guo set up appearances for Yan on Carlson's show to promote the theory.
2020: Fox News defends Carlson in slander lawsuit
In 2020, Fox News successfully defended Tucker Carlson in a slander lawsuit by Karen McDougal, citing Carlson's use of hyperbole as a rhetorical device.
2020: Called Soleimani assassination a quagmire
In 2020, Tucker Carlson referred to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani as a "quagmire" and criticized those promoting foreign interventions.
2020: Criticized Bob Iger as a propagandist for the Chinese Communist Party
In 2020, Tucker Carlson referred to the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, as a "propagandist" for the Chinese Communist Party.
2020: Response to Head Writer's Firing
In 2020, after his head writer was fired for hateful blog posts, Tucker Carlson stated, "They have no connection to the show. It is wrong to attack people for qualities they cannot control."
March 2021: Ridicule of Maternity Flight Suits
In March 2021, Tucker Carlson ridiculed maternity flight suits for U.S. women soldiers, leading to a rebuke from the U.S. military.
March 2021: Blamed colonial powers for Latin American immigration crisis
In March 2021, Tucker Carlson stated that issues like the Latin American immigration crisis should be blamed on "other colonial powers centuries ago" instead of the United States. He suggested that the Spanish government should start by "sending back the gold now sitting in its central bank."
July 2021: Time article discusses Carlson's statements
In July 2021, Charlotte Alter of Time wrote that Carlson sometimes tells "outright falsehoods", but generally "avoids assertions that are factually disprovable, instead sticking to innuendo".
August 2021: Traveled to Hungary and praised Viktor Orbán
In August 2021, Tucker Carlson traveled to Hungary, broadcasting from Budapest. He praised the country and its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, for rejecting asylum seekers and downplayed authoritarian concerns.
December 2021: Comments on Gender Differences
In December 2021, Tucker Carlson commented on the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men, stating that "Men and women are very different, extremely different. Society is built on their differences."
2021: Criticism of Pete Buttigieg's Paternity Leave
In 2021, Tucker Carlson belittled the paternity leave taken by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, joking about Buttigieg trying to breastfeed.
2021: Promotion of "Great Replacement" Theory
In 2021, Tucker Carlson described the Democratic strategy of "demographic replacement" to increase their voter base as "the Great Replacement", using terminology associated with white nationalism. This statement and associated viewpoints were criticized as endorsements of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.
January 2022: Released 'Hungary vs. Soros' on Fox Nation
In January 2022, Tucker Carlson released the film "Hungary vs. Soros" on Fox Nation, promoting conspiracy theories about George Soros. The film was criticized for being "anti-American propaganda".
February 2022: Support for Canada Convoy Protest
In February 2022, Tucker Carlson supported the Canada convoy protest against COVID-19 restrictions and called it "the single most successful human rights protest in a generation".
April 2022: The New York Times publishes "American Nationalist"
In April 2022, The New York Times published a three-part 20,000-word investigative series on Carlson called "American Nationalist" which accuses Tucker Carlson Tonight as "what may be the most racist show in the history of cable news." Carlson responded that he has not read it and does not plan to.
September 2022: Comments on the British Empire after Queen Elizabeth II's death
In September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Tucker Carlson stated that the British Empire, while "not perfect", brought civilization to its occupied regions with a level of "decency unmatched by any empire in human history". This statement was criticized, particularly in India.
October 11, 2022: Release of Leaked Unaired Kanye West Interview Footage
On October 11, 2022, Vice's Motherboard published leaked, unaired footage from Tucker Carlson's interview with Kanye West. The footage revealed West expressing Black Hebrew Israelite views, claiming he received a COVID-19 vaccine, and alleging child actors sexualized his kids. The footage was heavily scrutinized, especially after West made antisemitic statements on social media.
November 2022: Scrutiny After Colorado Springs Nightclub Shooting
In November 2022, Tucker Carlson's promotion of inflammatory rhetoric about LGBTQ controversies was scrutinized after the Colorado Springs nightclub mass shooting.
2022: Acknowledging Factual Errors
In 2022, Bump argued that compared with other television anchors, Carlson is loath to acknowledge factual errors in his commentary.
2022: Interview with Kanye West
In 2022, Tucker Carlson aired an edited interview with Ye (Kanye West) where West discussed wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt and his views on abortion, claiming, without evidence, disproportionate abortions among Black babies in New York City.
2022: Denial of Belief in Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory
In 2022, Tucker Carlson challenged accusations that he believes the Great Replacement conspiracy theory and questioned its popularity after it was invoked by mass shooters, contradicting his previous endorsement.
2022: Release of "The End of Men"
In 2022, Tucker Carlson released "The End of Men", a Tucker Carlson Original alleging a decline in American masculinity. The episode featured Raw Egg Nationalist, an author affiliated with neo-Nazi publishing house Antelope Hill.
2022: Defended Vladimir Putin in the lead-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, Tucker Carlson was noted for defending Vladimir Putin in the lead-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
2022: Response to Criticism from The New York Times
In 2022, responding to a report in The New York Times critical of Tucker Carlson and his show, Carlson defended his show's views on race, invoking Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy and praising Malcolm X for his dignified manner of speaking.
2022: Downplayed Russia's military buildup and promoted pro-Russian disinformation
In early 2022, Tucker Carlson downplayed Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's borders. While he called the invasion "awful", he promoted pro-Russian disinformation, such as a conspiracy theory about U.S. and Kyiv developing biological weapons in Ukraine. His broadcasts were used by Russian state media, with the Kremlin sending a memo to state media to use clips of Carlson as much as possible.
June 6, 2023: Release of Tucker on Twitter's First Episode
On June 6, 2023, Tucker Carlson released the first episode of his show, "Tucker on Twitter." During the episode, he made controversial claims about extraterrestrial starships, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Kakhovka Dam destruction, Black Lives Matter riots, and the September 11 attacks.
September 6, 2023: Interview with Larry Sinclair
On September 6, 2023, Tucker Carlson interviewed Larry Sinclair, who made controversial claims about Barack Obama. This interview was criticized by many, including Elon Musk.
September 2023: Interview with Man Claiming to Have Had Sex with Barack Obama
In September 2023, Tucker Carlson interviewed a man who claimed to have had sex with Barack Obama, which generated controversy.
November 2023: Article in La Gaceta retracted after Carlson supported Spanish protests
In November 2023, an article in La Gaceta, which criticized Tucker Carlson's statements on Spain was retracted after Carlson appeared with Santiago Abascal in support of the 2023 Spanish protests.
2023: Criticized wind power for whale deaths
In 2023, Tucker Carlson, Clean Ocean Action, and multiple Republicans criticized New Jersey and New York's use of wind power, falsely claiming that it has been contributing to the deaths of whales.
September 2, 2024: Hosting Darryl Cooper on Tucker on X
On September 2, 2024, Tucker Carlson hosted podcaster and amateur historian Darryl Cooper on "Tucker on X". Cooper endorsed Holocaust denial, causing controversy.
2024: Dismissal of Climate Change Link to Hurricanes
In 2024, Tucker Carlson dismissed the link between climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, attributing it instead to abortion.
June 2025: Criticized Trump's support for Israeli strikes against Iran
In June 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized President Trump's support for Israeli strikes against Iran and opposed the possible involvement of the United States in a war with Iran.
September 2025: Criticism of Pam Bondi
In September 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly attempting to exploit the assassination of Charlie Kirk to suppress free speech in the United States.
2025: Criticized Trump administration's support for Israel in Gaza war
In 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized the Trump administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war.
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