Major Controversies Surrounding Tucker Carlson: A Detailed Timeline

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Tucker Carlson

Public opinion and media debates around Tucker Carlson—discover key moments of controversy.

Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political activist and commentator. He is known for hosting Tucker on X and The Tucker Carlson Show since 2023, and previously hosted Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News from 2016 to 2023. A proponent of Donald Trump, Carlson is considered an influential voice in right-wing media and a key figure in promoting Trumpism.

1999: Carlson Spreads Disinformation about NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, Tucker Carlson spread disinformation about the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, claiming it was an offensive action against Christians that led to the creation of Kosovo, while omitting the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces.

October 2004: Jon Stewart's Critique on Crossfire

In October 2004, Jon Stewart appeared on Crossfire and criticized the show for being harmful to political discourse, singling out Tucker Carlson. This event is believed by some to have led to the show's cancellation.

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2004: Wrote commentary accusing Bush of weakness and criticizing the Iraq War

In 2004, Tucker Carlson wrote a commentary in Esquire accusing Bush of weakness after the September 11 attacks and in the invasion of Iraq. Carlson said "Iraq is a crappy place filled with a bunch of, you know, semi-literate primitive monkeys, that's why it wasn't worth invading.".

2006: Carlson Makes Racist Comments About Iraq

In 2006, Tucker Carlson made racist comments stating that Iraq was not worth invading because he believed it to be a country made up of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

May 25, 2010: Carlson denied entry into JournoList

On May 25, 2010, Tucker Carlson attempted to join JournoList, an invitation-only liberal forum, but was denied by Ezra Klein.

June 2010: The Daily Caller published JournoList excerpts

In June 2010, The Daily Caller published excerpts from e-mails sent between members of JournoList, a liberal forum. The leaked e-mails contained controversial remarks and detailed efforts to defeat Palin and McCain and help elect Barack Obama.

2011: Protests outside Carlson's home

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 Media Matters exposé

In February 2012, The Daily Caller published an "investigative series" co-authored by Carlson, purporting to be an insiders' exposé of Media Matters for America. The piece was criticized for relying on conjecture and absence of evidence.

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 and complimenting Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The video had been available online since 2007.

March 2016: Carlson Criticizes Romney's Denouncement of Trump

In March 2016, Tucker Carlson criticized Mitt Romney for denouncing Trump's response to David Duke's support, suggesting that "Obama could have written this."

June 2017: The Daily Caller's payment from Trump campaign revealed

In June 2017, it was revealed that The Daily Caller was paid $150,000 by Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign for its list of subscribers, leading to accusations of conflict of interest.

2017: The New York Times on Stewart's 'Dressing-Down'

In 2017, The New York Times referred to Jon Stewart's "on-air dressing-down" of Carlson as an "ignominious career [moment]" for Carlson, leading to the show's cancellation.

2017: Carlson Disapproves of White Supremacy

In 2017, Tucker Carlson stated that he does not approve of white supremacy.

April 2018: Questioned Assad's responsibility for the 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.

July 2018: Carlson Claims Mexico Interfered in U.S. Elections

In July 2018, Tucker Carlson claimed in an interview that Mexico interfered in U.S. elections "more successfully" than Russia by "packing our electorate" through mass immigration.

August 2018: Carlson Alleges South African Government Targets 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 falsely said the country's president had changed the constitution to allow land thefts from whites.

November 2018: Protest outside Carlson's home

In November 2018, a "Smash Racism D.C." protested outside Carlson's home in Washington, D.C. Carlson's driveway was vandalized with a spray-painted anarchist symbol.

2018: Darren Beattie fired as a Trump speechwriter

In 2018, Darren Beattie was fired as a Trump speechwriter after CNN asked the White House about his attendance at a gathering of white nationalists.

2018: Carlson Criticizes China's Treatment of Muslims

In 2018, Tucker Carlson criticized China's treatment of Muslims.

2018: Carlson Denies Being a Racist

In 2018, Tucker Carlson denied promoting racism, stating, "I'm not a racist. I hate racism."

2018: Carlson Describes Effects of Mass Immigration

In 2018, Tucker Carlson described the effects of mass immigration on the United States using the terms dirtier, poorer, and more divided and said it "has badly hurt this country's natural landscape". He also questioned whether diversity is a strength.

2018: Carlson incorrectly claims Trump was a victim of extortion

In 2018, Tucker Carlson incorrectly argued that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by Karen McDougal, leading to a slander lawsuit against Fox News.

2018: Protestors gather in front of Carlson's home

In late 2018, protestors gathered in front of Tucker Carlson's home.

January 2019: Producer files FOIA request with NSA

In January 2019, a producer for Tucker Carlson filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the NSA, seeking records of communications between NSA officials regarding Tucker Carlson, before Joe Biden became president. This request preceded Carlson's accusation that the NSA was spying on him.

March 2019: Calls to fire Carlson after resurfaced remarks

In March 2019, there were calls to fire Carlson from Fox News after Media Matters resurfaced remarks he had made to the radio show Bubba the Love Sponge concerning women, statutory rape, Iraqis, and immigrants.

May 2019: Carlson Defends Trump's Tariffs on Mexico

In May 2019, Tucker Carlson defended 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: Carlson Claims Illegal Workers Damage US Communities

In May 2019, Tucker Carlson said, "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: Carlson Defends Trump's Friendship with Kim Jong-un

In June 2019, while touring with President Trump, Tucker Carlson defended Trump's friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Fox & Friends, acknowledging the regime's atrocities but arguing that leading a country often involves "killing people."

July 9, 2019: Carlson Criticizes Ilhan Omar

On July 9, 2019, Tucker Carlson accused Representative Ilhan Omar of being ungrateful to the United States and called her "living proof that the way we practice immigration has become dangerous to this country."

November 2019: Repeated claim questioning the Douma chemical attack

In November 2019, Tucker Carlson repeated his claim questioning whether the Douma chemical attack had happened at all and suggested that a similar attack that occurred the year before was a false flag attack.

December 2019: Karen McDougal sues Fox News

In December 2019, Playboy model Karen McDougal sued Fox News after Carlson, in a 2018 episode of his show, accused her of extorting Donald Trump.

December 2019: Carlson Falsely Claims Immigrants Pollute the Potomac River

In December 2019, Tucker Carlson falsely claimed that immigrants were responsible for making the Potomac River "dirtier and dirtier".

2019: Media Matters Releases Recordings of Racist Comments

In 2019, Media Matters for America released recordings of racist comments that Tucker Carlson made in 2006, including that Iraq was not worth invading because he believed it to be a country made up of "semi-literate primitive monkeys" and "lunatic Muslims who are behaving like animals".

2019: El Paso Shooting

In 2019, The El Paso shooting invoked Carlson's endorsement of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.

2019: Carlson Criticizes LeBron James and Bob Iger

In 2019, Tucker Carlson criticized LeBron James for speaking out against Daryl Morey's support of the Hong Kong protests, and referred to Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, as a "propagandist" for the Chinese Communist Party.

2019: Expressed support for Russia over Ukraine

In 2019, while discussing U.S. military aid to Ukraine during the Donbas War, Tucker Carlson said on his show: "Why shouldn't I root for Russia? Which I am", later claiming it was a joke and suggesting the U.S. should side with Russia over Ukraine.

May 2020: Carlson questions the severity of COVID-19

Starting in May 2020, Tucker Carlson began publicly questioning the severity of COVID-19. He criticized stay-at-home orders and defended protests against lockdowns.

July 2020: Blake Neff resigns from Tucker Carlson Tonight

In July 2020, Blake Neff, Carlson's head writer, resigned after CNN Business reported that he had been using a pseudonym to post racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks on AutoAdmit.

August 2020: Defended Kyle Rittenhouse on air

In August 2020, Tucker Carlson aired segments defending Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old who shot three protesters, killing two, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

September 2020: Carlson admits to lying if cornered

In September 2020, on The Rubin Report, Tucker Carlson stated that unlike TV newscasters who he said systematically lie, he will only lie "if I'm really cornered or something".

October 2020: Carlson alleges his texts are being read

In October 2020, Tucker Carlson claimed on his show that someone was reading his text messages after documents he said contained compromising information on Hunter Biden were lost and quickly recovered by United Parcel Service.

November 20, 2020: The New York Times Reports on COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory Promotion

On November 20, 2020, The New York Times reported that Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui had brought Li-Meng Yan to America to promote the COVID-19 lab leak theory, and that Bannon and Guo set up appearances for Yan on Carlson's show to promote the theory.

2020: Tucker Carlson Tonight becomes highest-rated cable news show

Beginning the week of June 8–14, 2020, Tucker Carlson Tonight became the highest-rated cable news show in the U.S., with an average of four million viewers. Some companies pulled advertising due to Carlson's remarks criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement.

2020: Fox News defense in slander lawsuit

In 2020, Fox News successfully defended itself in a slander lawsuit by Karen McDougal, citing Tucker Carlson's use of hyperbole as a rhetorical device, after Carlson incorrectly argued in 2018 that Donald Trump had been a victim of extortion by McDougal.

2020: Called Qasem Soleimani assassination a quagmire

In 2020, Tucker Carlson called the assassination of Qasem Soleimani a "quagmire" and criticized those who promote foreign interventions.

2020: Carlson Responds to Head Writer's Firing

In 2020, after his head writer, Neff, was fired for hateful blog posts, Tucker Carlson said the posts had "no connection to the show" and that "It is wrong to attack people for qualities they cannot control."

2020: Raising false allegations of fraud in the 2020 election

Throughout 2020, particularly before and after the election, Tucker Carlson promoted the idea that Democrats were manipulating mail-in voting and later raised false allegations of fraud after Joe Biden won the election in November. He mentioned purportedly dead individuals who voted in Georgia, but later apologized for the error. He distanced himself from Trump's legal fights, acknowledging that it would not produce a Trump victory.

January 26, 2021: Carlson brings on Mike Lindell to criticize Dominion Voting Systems

On January 26, 2021, Tucker Carlson brought on Mike Lindell of My Pillow to criticize Dominion Voting Systems. Lindell claimed that Dominion had "hired hit groups and bots and trolls" to target him after his Twitter account's suspension for promoting unfounded fraud claims.

February 2021: Carlson alleges white supremacists not responsible for January 6 attack

In February 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged that there was no evidence that white supremacists were responsible for the January 6 United States Capitol attack, after attorney general nominee Merrick Garland pledged to supervise the prosecution of "white supremacists and others" involved. PolitiFact rated Carlson's claim false, citing evidence of rioters with ties to white supremacist groups.

March 2021: Carlson ridicules maternity flight suits for U.S. women soldiers

In March 2021, Tucker Carlson ridiculed maternity flight suits for U.S. women soldiers and described a decision by the Chinese military to build ships as "more masculine". He was rebuked by the U.S. military for his comments.

March 2021: Carlson Blames Colonial Powers for Latin American Immigration Crisis

In March 2021, Tucker Carlson stated that the Latin American immigration crisis should be blamed on "other colonial powers centuries ago" and suggested that the Spanish government should "start by sending back the gold now sitting in its central bank."

June 2021: Carlson promotes conspiracy theory about Capitol storming

In June 2021, Tucker Carlson promoted a conspiracy theory alleging that the Capitol storming was a "false flag" FBI operation. He claimed that unindicted co-conspirators in rioters' indictments were government agents. Legal experts refuted this claim. Carlson also said Russian president Vladimir Putin raised "fair questions" about the Capitol attack.

June 28, 2021: Carlson accuses NSA of spying

On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged on his program that a U.S. government whistleblower informed him that the National Security Agency (NSA) was monitoring his electronic communications and planning to leak them to remove his show from the air. He claimed the Biden administration was spying on him.

July 2021: Time article discusses Carlson's use of innuendo

In July 2021, Charlotte Alter of Time wrote that Tucker Carlson sometimes tells "outright falsehoods" but generally sticks to innuendo, avoiding assertions that are factually disprovable.

July 2021: Carlson suggests voter fraud in Fulton County, Georgia

In July 2021, Tucker Carlson suggested that there was meaningful voter fraud in Fulton County, Georgia, during the November election, despite the state's election results being validated. PolitiFact found that Carlson's evidence did not substantiate his conclusion.

August 2021: NSA Inspector General examines Carlson's allegation

In August 2021, the NSA inspector general's office announced it was examining Tucker Carlson's allegation that the NSA was monitoring his communications, following reports that he had been unmasked after being mentioned by third parties under surveillance.

October 2021: Release of Patriot Purge

In October 2021, Tucker Carlson released "Patriot Purge", a three-part series on Fox Nation, which suggested the January 6 attack was a government false flag operation. Fact-checkers found the series contained numerous falsehoods and conspiracy theories, leading to criticism and resignations from Fox News contributors.

December 2021: Carlson bemoans the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men

In December 2021, Tucker Carlson commented on the difference between men and women and how society is built on these differences, while despairing the falling labor participation rate of U.S. men.

2021: Carlson belittles 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 learning to breastfeed.

2021: Carlson Describes Demographic Replacement as 'The Great Replacement'

In 2021, Tucker Carlson described Democrats seeking "demographic replacement" to increase their voter base as "the Great Replacement", using white nationalist terminology.

2021: Named in Dominion Voting Systems Lawsuit

In 2021, during the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network defamation lawsuit, Tucker Carlson was among the hosts named for broadcasting false statements about the plaintiff company's voting machines.

January 6, 2022: Ted Cruz apologizes to Tucker Carlson

On January 6, 2022, the anniversary of the Capitol attack, Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Tucker Carlson's show and apologized for calling the Capitol storming a "terrorist attack".

January 2022: Released the film Hungary vs. Soros on Fox Nation

In January 2022, Tucker Carlson released the film Hungary vs. Soros on Fox Nation, promoting conspiracy theories about Soros. The Open Society Foundations called the film "anti-American propaganda".

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February 2022: Carlson supports Canada convoy protest

In February 2022, Tucker Carlson supported the Canada convoy protest against COVID-19 restrictions, calling it "the single most successful human rights protest in a generation". He also claimed that some U.S. officials were overstating the deadliness of the virus and mentioned ivermectin as a possible treatment.

April 2022: New York Times publishes "American Nationalist"

In April 2022, The New York Times published a three-part investigative series on Tucker Carlson called "American Nationalist," documenting his rise to prominence and his rhetoric on immigration, race relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Carlson responded by saying he had not read the series and denied allegations about obsessing over ratings.

August 2022: Carlson deposed in Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit

In August 2022, Tucker Carlson was deposed as part of a lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News over false claims of voter fraud. Texts revealed Carlson privately doubted the claims and mocked Trump advisors.

September 2022: Carlson Praises the British Empire After Queen Elizabeth II's Death

In September 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Tucker Carlson opined that the British Empire, although "not perfect", had brought civilization to regions it occupied with "decency unmatched by any empire in human history."

October 11, 2022: Vice publishes leaked unaired footage of Kanye West interview

On October 11, 2022, Vice's Motherboard released leaked unaired footage from Tucker Carlson's interview with Kanye West. In the footage, West made antisemitic statements, expressed Black Hebrew Israelite views, claimed he had received a COVID-19 vaccine, and alleged child actors were planted in his home to sexualize his children. This leak intensified scrutiny of West's antisemitic remarks and put Tucker Carlson's platforming of antisemitism in the spotlight.

November 2022: Scrutiny of inflammatory rhetoric after Colorado Springs nightclub shooting

In November 2022, following the Colorado Springs nightclub mass shooting, Tucker Carlson's promotion of inflammatory rhetoric about LGBTQ controversies came under scrutiny.

2022: Carlson Airs Interview with Ye (Kanye West) on "White Lives Matter" Shirts

In 2022, Tucker Carlson aired an edited interview with Ye (Kanye West) who discussed wearing "White Lives Matter" shirts and stated, "It just represents life. I'm pro-life"; he claimed without evidence "that there are more Black babies being aborted than born in New York City at this point."

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, a pseudonymous author affiliated with neo-Nazi publishing house Antelope Hill.

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2022: Defended Vladimir Putin in 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: Carlson Responds to Criticism on Race

In 2022, in response to The New York Times publishing a report criticizing Carlson and his show, Carlson said that his show did not have a controversial opinion on race, stating that he believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s ideals and that people should be judged by their actions, not by their skin color.

2022: Carlson loath to acknowledge factual errors

In 2022, it was argued that, compared with other television anchors, Tucker Carlson is loath to acknowledge factual errors in his commentary.

2022: Buffalo Shooting

In 2022, the Buffalo shooting invoked Carlson's endorsement of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.

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 and 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.

March 2023: Carlson discusses private texts and feelings about Trump

In March 2023, Tucker Carlson said he was "enraged that my private texts were pulled" for the Dominion court case. He also asserted he loved Trump and thought he was funny and insightful, despite previous texts stating "I hate him passionately".

March 2023: Attorney demands retraction of statements about Ray Epps

In March 2023, an attorney for Ray Epps demanded a public retraction from Tucker Carlson of "false and defamatory statements." Carlson had repeatedly promoted a conspiracy theory that Epps was a federal agent who instigated the January 6 attack, leading to threats and harassment against Epps and his wife.

April 24, 2023: Fox News dismisses Carlson

On April 24, 2023, Fox News dismissed Carlson and the executive producer of his evening show. On April 26, Carlson responded to his departure by tweeting a video.

May 9, 2023: Carlson announces relaunch of show on Twitter

On May 9, 2023, Carlson announced he would relaunch his show on Twitter. Carlson's attorneys alleged that Rupert Murdoch and other senior executives "intentionally" broke their promises to him. Fox News reportedly sent him a cease and desist after the first episode aired.

June 6, 2023: First episode of Tucker on Twitter released

On June 6, 2023, the first episode of the show, called Tucker on Twitter, was released. During the episode, Carlson made controversial claims.

September 6, 2023: Carlson interviews Larry Sinclair on X

On September 6, 2023, Tucker Carlson interviewed Larry Sinclair, who claimed that he had "had a night of crack cocaine-fueled sex with Barack Obama" 24 years before. The interview was criticized by many.

September 2023: Carlson interviews 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.

November 2023: Retraction of Fiallo's Article after Carlson's Appearance with Abascal

In November 2023, Mamela Fiallo's rebuttal article in La Gaceta was retracted after Carlson appeared with Santiago Abascal in support of the 2023 Spanish protests, following criticism of Carlson's statements on Spain.

2023: Criticized New Jersey and New York's use of wind power

In 2023, Tucker Carlson, along with 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.

2023: Carlson airs security footage from Capitol attack

In early 2023, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave Tucker Carlson exclusive access to security surveillance video from the day of the Capitol attack. Carlson subsequently aired portions of it on his show, portraying the event as "peaceful chaos" and criticizing other media outlets. This segment was condemned by the family of Brian Sicknick and politicians from both parties.

September 2, 2024: Darryl Cooper's Holocaust denial on Tucker on X

On September 2, 2024, Tucker Carlson hosted podcaster Darryl Cooper on Tucker on X. Cooper endorsed Holocaust denial and other departures from historical consensus regarding World War II, causing controversy.

2024: Dismissal of climate change link to hurricanes

In 2024, Carlson dismissed the link between climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, attributing it instead to abortion, which he compared to ritual sacrifice.

January 2025: Carlson debates Piers Morgan, repeats disinformation about Yugoslav Wars

In January 2025, Tucker Carlson debated British journalist Piers Morgan and repeated disinformation regarding the Yugoslav Wars, especially about Serbia's role and the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

September 2025: Carlson Criticizes Pam Bondi for Suppressing Free Speech

In September 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for attempting to exploit the assassination of Charlie Kirk to suppress free speech in the United States.

October 28, 2025: Hosting Nick Fuentes and ensuing controversy

On October 28, 2025, Tucker Carlson hosted white nationalist Nick Fuentes. The Heritage Foundation's defense of Carlson ignited a debate about antisemitism among conservatives, drawing condemnation from Republicans like Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell.

November 2025: Promoted chemtrail conspiracy theory

In November 2025, Tucker Carlson promoted the chemtrail conspiracy theory.

December 2025: Named "Antisemite of the Year" by StopAntisemitism

In December 2025, the pro-Israel and Jewish advocacy group StopAntisemitism called Tucker Carlson "Antisemite of the Year" for several remarks he made in 2025 that were critical of Israel and allegedly antisemitic.

2025: Criticized the Trump administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war

In 2025, Tucker Carlson criticized the Trump administration's support for Israel in the Gaza war and opposed the possible involvement of the United States in a war with Iran. He stated that America should not imperil national security, the economy, or America itself on Israel's behalf.

February 2026: Visited Israel and claimed detention by airport security

In February 2026, Tucker Carlson visited Israel and claimed he and his team were detained and questioned by Israeli airport security before departing the country, though Israeli authorities and the United States Embassy in Jerusalem stated it was routine passport control. Footage showed Carlson smiling and posing with airport staff.

March 2, 2026: Trump declares Carlson and Kelly "aren't MAGA"

On March 2, 2026, in a phone interview, Donald Trump declared that both Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, who criticized Trump's Iran policy, "aren't MAGA."

March 5, 2026: Trump says "Tucker has lost his way"

On March 5, 2026, it was revealed that Donald Trump told Jonathan Karl of ABC News that "Tucker has lost his way," and is "not MAGA," leading to Carlson claiming he was annoyed with Trump, though he stated he would always love him.

2026: Accused Israel of starting the Iran war

Regarding the 2026 Iran war, Tucker Carlson stated that “This happened because Israel wanted it to happen. This is Israel’s war. This is not the United States’ war,” and accused the conflict of being started by "lies" spread by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.