Right-wing journalist and key Trump ally Tucker Carlson announced Tuesday that he had conducted an exclusive interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, promising to release the conversation "soon."
This marks Carlson’s second high-profile visit to Russia this year. In February, he interviewed President Vladimir Putin—Putin’s first sit-down with a U.S. journalist since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Carlson framed his latest trip as an attempt to explore rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.
"We just walked out of that interview. It's absolutely fascinating," Carlson teased in a video posted on his social media and website, without confirming an air date.
Carlson’s Criticism of U.S. Leadership
In his announcement, Carlson accused the Biden administration of blocking an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Known for his polarizing commentary, Carlson has consistently criticized U.S. policies under Democratic leadership, portraying America as "a nation in decline" and amplifying right-wing conspiracy theories.
Since parting ways with Fox News in April 2023 after the network’s $787.5 million settlement over election defamation claims, Carlson has launched his own streaming platform, the Tucker Carlson Network, and maintained a strong presence on X, formerly Twitter.
Controversy Surrounds Carlson’s Russian Ties
Carlson’s outreach to Russian officials has drawn sharp criticism amid ongoing U.S.-Russia tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. While he positions himself as a challenger of mainstream narratives, detractors argue that his actions risk undermining U.S. foreign policy and normalizing Russia’s controversial actions.
Upcoming Interview Sparks Debate
Carlson’s interview with Lavrov is likely to ignite further debate on U.S.-Russia relations, freedom of the press, and the role of media in geopolitical discourse. The timing also coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition to power, a period that could see significant shifts in America’s stance toward Russia.
Observers and critics await the interview’s release to assess its potential implications on both domestic and international fronts.
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