Tucker Carlson announced on Tuesday his plans to interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Elon Musk ensuring the discussion would not face censorship. Previously with Fox News, Carlson hinted at the possibility of this interview earlier, sparking interest with his response, “We’ll see.”
On his inaugural visit to Russia, Carlson expressed his eagerness to engage with locals and observe the country’s condition, which he found positive. This interview marks a pioneering moment for Western journalism as Carlson prepares to sit down with Putin amidst the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia in Ukraine since February 2022.
Through a video on X (previously Twitter), Carlson clarified his intention is not to sway public opinion in favour of Putin’s statements but to inform Americans about the Russian leader’s perspectives on the Ukraine invasion. He emphasized the importance of free information for making informed decisions, criticizing Putin’s lack of direct communication with the American public due to perceived media and government censorship in the West.
He raised concerns over the U.S. stance on Ukraine, critiquing the unanimous support without open dialogue or understanding of the conflict’s nuances. Carlson stressed the importance of transparency, highlighting his self-funded trip to Moscow without governmental aid. He also reflected on past attempts to interview Putin, which, according to him, made him a surveillance target by the U.S. government.
Carlson also criticized the media’s portrayal of interviews with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the U.S., labelling them as non-journalistic and akin to propaganda. He supported the need for more transparent and unbiased reporting.
Robert Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, echoed Carlson’s right to interview Putin and advocated for increased transparency in the U.S.
Carlson’s departure from Fox News last April marked a significant shift for the journalist, who gained attention in Russia for his comments on Moscow’s alleged involvement in U.S. elections. He assured viewers that Musk had promised not to censor or restrict access to the interview, ensuring it remained accessible to all.
