Topline
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended Tucker Carlson over his controversial interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes—which drew condemnation from some Republican leaders and supporters of the president—saying that the former Fox News host can’t be told who he can interview.
FILE PHOTO: President Donald Trump defended Tucker Carlson and said he has had some “good interviews” with the former Fox News host.
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Key Facts
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac before returning to the White House from Florida, Trump was asked about Carlson’s controversial interview and what role the former Fox News host should play in the Republican Party.
Trump responded: “ I found him to be good…he said good things about me over the years…I think he’s good. We’ve had some good interviews.”
On the Fuentes interview specifically, Trump said: “You can’t tell him who to interview,” before claiming that he doesn’t know much about Fuentes despite dining with him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022.
The president then said, “If he wants to do it [interview Fuentes]…get the word out, let him,’ and then “ultimately, people have to decide.”
Trump and the White House had previously not commented on the controversial interview, which drew strong condemnation from Republican leaders like Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
What Do We Know About The Carlson Fuentes Interview?
During his interview with Fuentes, Carlson attacked Cruz and several other Republican leaders, including former President George W. Bush, for their support of Israel. The former Fox News host said they were “Christian Zionists” who have been “seized by this brain virus.” He added, “I can just say for myself: I dislike them more than anyone.” Fuentes, who is an outspoken antisemite and white nationalist, later celebrated his interview with Carlson, describing it as a success for his far-right “Groypers” movement.