Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson made a controversial statement this week, accusing Ben Shapiro of the Daily Wire and other pro-Israel voices of being more focused on foreign conflicts than on the stability of the United States. Carlson, who was ousted from his position at Fox News in April 2023, claimed that Shapiro and others “don’t care about the country at all” and are neglecting issues such as financial instability and insecure borders in favor of foreign conflicts.
The comments were made during an interview with Saagar Enjeti, the conservative host of the web series “Breaking Points.” Enjeti questioned the allegiance of certain individuals to foreign conflicts over the well-being of American citizens, prompting Carlson to express his own concern for the US and criticize the alleged apathy of others.
Former American ambassador to Israel David Friedman spoke out in defense of Shapiro, labeling him as an “American patriot who cares deeply about our country” and condemning Carlson’s accusations as “shameful.”
In addition to targeting Shapiro, Carlson also made controversial comments about Ukrainian President Zelensky, describing him in what many perceived as antisemitic and hateful language. The Anti-Defamation League and Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group both condemned Carlson’s comments as dangerous and lacking any place in mainstream public discourse.
The divisive statements from Carlson have drawn strong reactions from both his supporters and critics, highlighting the ongoing polarizing nature of political commentary in the media.