Tucker Carlson explained his reasons for interviewing far-right figure Nick Fuentes, despite the backlash it caused. The interview sparked intense debate about free speech, drawing five million views and becoming a key moment for the MAGA movement.
Fuentes is known for antisemitic remarks, including likening the Holocaust to baking cookies. He leads the Groypers, a group aiming to preserve America's white, Christian identity. In 2022, Fuentes dined with Donald Trump and Kanye West at Mar-a-Lago, though President Trump later stated Fuentes was an unexpected guest of West and he "knew nothing about" him.
Carlson faced strong criticism from many conservatives who accused him of giving Fuentes a platform. The fallout grew heated as prominent conservative figures and groups publicly took sides.
Speaking with Megyn Kelly during her national tour in White Plains, New York, Carlson revealed he had "several specific reasons" for interviewing Fuentes. He admitted being surprised by the scale of the controversy the interview generated.
"There were several specific reasons why I had wanted to interview Fuentes," Carlson said.
The exchange highlighted the tensions within conservative media over the limits of free speech and acceptability.
Would you prefer a more formal or conversational tone in the rewriting?