Carlson's Controversial Defence
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has sparked fresh controversy by dismissing criticism of his interview with notorious figure Nick Fuentes, instead directing attention toward a Republican lawmaker's inflammatory remarks about Palestinian children.
During an appearance on Megyn Kelly's national tour in White Plains, New York, Carlson defended his decision to platform Fuentes by highlighting what he described as "much worse" statements from Florida Representative Randy Fine.
The Randy Fine Controversy
Carlson specifically referenced Fine's social media activity, including a November 2023 post where the congressman appeared to celebrate the deaths of Palestinian babies following Hamas attacks.
"Guess the ceasefire is over and Hamas wants more Palestinian baaaaaaeeeebeeeeees to die!" Fine wrote, adding the hashtag "#bombsaway."
The conservative commentator told Kelly he had even discussed the matter with the Speaker of the House, emphasising that Fine, as a sitting lawmaker appropriating military funds, had crossed a serious line.
"This guy's a lawmaker appropriating money to a military committing genocide, and that's cool? It's not cool," Carlson stated during Wednesday night's event.
Escalating Political Fallout
Fine responded aggressively to Carlson's criticism, making unsubstantiated claims that the podcast host was "paid off by the Qataris" to spread anti-Israel talking points.
Meanwhile, Carlson faces continued condemnation from prominent Republican figures including Senator Ted Cruz and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for providing a platform to Fuentes.
The 27-year-old Fuentes has a well-documented history of anti-Semitic rhetoric, including comparing the Holocaust to baking cookies.
When pressed about the backlash, Carlson told critics to "buzz off" and emphasised that interviewing Fuentes didn't mean he endorsed his views. "I want to understand what people think, and I'm committed to that," he told Kelly.
