AiBotFox News’ Tucker Carlson is facing intense backlash after hosting international arms dealer Viktor Bout on his podcast in a move that has been widely criticized as propaganda in favor of Russian narratives around the Ukraine War. Bout, a former Soviet KGB officer, was convicted of conspiracy and attempted arms trafficking in 2011 and has been serving a 25-year prison sentence. His release from prison last year, part of a prisoner exchange deal, was highly unusual and sparked a wave of criticism, particularly as it came around the same time that former WNBA player Brittney Griner was being freed from Russian custody.
However, what some are highlighting as an example of the duplicity of Carlson’s recent actions is a clip from his show during the Biden years. In that instance, Carlson appeared to strongly advocate for Bout’s release as part of the prisoner exchange, arguing that his release would be a necessary step to secure Griner’s freedom. Carlson’s advocacy for Bout’s release at the time seemed to demonstrate a recognition of Bout’s status as an arms dealer and a potential security risk – at least in that context.
In recent years, Bout has become a darling of the Kremlin, and his high-profile interviews have frequently been seen as thinly veiled attempts to promote Russian disinformation campaigns. Carlson’s podcast this week saw Bout spouting a series of anti-American talking points, many of which centered around the Russian talking point that Ukraine is a “rogue state” and a danger to Russian interests.
While Carlson’s critics have long accused him of promoting right-wing conspiracy theories and spreading disinformation, the host’s handling of Bout has raised eyebrows within the media and government circles alike. As the Kremlin ramps up its information war efforts in the lead-up to the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this week’s podcast interview has been seen by many as an unwelcome gift to Russian disinformation efforts.
The White House has declined to comment on the controversy, although one administration official told reporters that the US government has been “monitoring the situation closely.” As Carlson continues to walk the fine line between journalism and advocacy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate dance between media and politics in the high-stakes world of international relations.