Tucker Carlson: COVID is a lie and Western leaders lack wisdom
In an exclusive interview that sparked widespread controversy, prominent American journalist Tucker Carlson made a series of fiery statements in which he strongly criticized Western leaders, describing their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a “lie,” and asserting that the leaders of the United States and Western countries lack wisdom and create conflicts to conceal their actions.
These statements came during his interview with Saudi journalist Abdullah Al-Mudayfer on the Ramadan program “Al-Liwan” on “Rotana Khalijia” channel, where Carlson addressed a range of thorny issues that concern global public opinion, from American foreign policy to media freedom.
Background and context of the statements
Tucker Carlson is one of the most influential and controversial conservative media voices in the United States. After years of hosting the top-rated show "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Fox News, he left the network in 2023 and launched his own show on X (formerly Twitter), giving him an independent global platform. This interview comes as part of Carlson's global media tour, the highlight of which was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2024, a meeting that sparked a storm of international reactions and underscored his approach to challenging mainstream Western media narratives.
Sharp criticism of Western leaders and the media
Carlson explained that leaders in America and the West are “selfish and unwise,” arguing that the worst kind of leaders are those who refuse to admit their mistakes. He pointed out that America’s absolute dominance on the international stage has declined, warning of the risk of global chaos as a result of this shift in the balance of power. He also accused the US government of controlling the media, saying, “We were given orders about what to tell people.” He added that asking certain questions in the American media, such as questioning why Israel is America’s greatest ally or demanding the release of documents related to the 9/11 attacks, could end a journalist’s career.
The Coronavirus Pandemic and the Iraq War
One of Carlson's most notable statements was his description of the COVID-19 pandemic as "a lie used to harm people," noting that some people died because the government mandated vaccination. In a rare act of self-criticism, Carlson expressed deep regret for his support of the Iraq War in 2003, saying, "It's something I'm ashamed of and wish I hadn't done." He emphasized that he had stopped following American media and reading American newspapers because he did not want to be influenced by "lies.".
Importance and expected impact
Carlson's remarks gain significance from coming from a highly influential media figure both within and outside the United States. Furthermore, the choice of a prominent Gulf media platform to broadcast these views reflects a shift in the global media landscape, where non-Western outlets are playing an increasingly important role in shaping international public opinion. Regionally, such criticisms of Western policies resonate with a broad segment of the Middle Eastern public. Internationally, these statements contribute to deepening political polarization and fueling ongoing debates about the credibility of governments and traditional media in the West.
