Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has stirred controversy once again by alleging that the Biden administration attempted to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a provocative statement made during his Monday podcast, The Tucker Carlson Show, the former Fox News host suggested that the U.S. government had tried to eliminate Putin without offering any supporting evidence.
"The Biden administration did, they tried to kill Putin," Carlson boldly claimed. When his guest, journalist Matt Taibbi, expressed surprise, Carlson insisted, "Yes, yes, they did, which is insane." His remarks, made in a casual tone, sparked immediate backlash, given the lack of any concrete proof to substantiate the explosive accusation. Carlson then speculated that the U.S. might have been motivated by a desire to create chaos, saying, "Because chaos is a screen that protects them."
Carlson, known for his controversial and often baseless conspiracy theories, did not offer any further details on his claim. He expressed confusion over why the U.S. would attempt such an action, admitting, "I don't know this. That's just like watching what they're doing, I'm like, 'Why would they be doing that?'" His comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate about his role in promoting conspiracy theories and falsehoods.
The Kremlin was quick to respond, though it did not address Carlson's accusation directly. Dmitry Peskov, President Putin's press secretary, reassured the public that Russian intelligence agencies were fully committed to ensuring Putin's safety. "Russian intelligence agencies consistently take all necessary measures to ensure public safety and the security of those under state protection, especially the head of state," Peskov said in a statement, offering a vague but firm response to the claim.
Carlson's remarks come amid a continued focus on the war in Ukraine, which has seen escalating military aid from the U.S. and its allies to the Ukrainian government. The U.S. has provided billions of dollars in support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's invasion, which began in 2022. The Biden administration has also been a vocal critic of Russia's actions, calling out violations of international law, while the Kremlin has continued to justify its military offensive.
The claim also adds to Carlson's long history of controversial statements. He has previously espoused ideas that echo Kremlin talking points, including dismissing Ukraine as a democracy and promoting the view that the country is more akin to a "tyranny" in American terms. His interviews with Putin in Moscow and subsequent discussions with Russian officials have drawn sharp criticism for their perceived leniency toward the Russian government. In a February 2024 interview, Carlson allowed Putin to promote his historical narrative about Ukraine's legitimacy as a state without significant challenge.
Carlson's rhetoric has raised concerns among critics, particularly as it aligns with some of the Kremlin's most persistent talking points. His repeated questioning of the legitimacy of U.S. military aid to Ukraine has led many to question his motives and allegiances. His echoing of Russian disinformation, including claims about Ukraine's governance, has contributed to a growing controversy surrounding his platform and public statements.
Biden has yet to publicly respond to Carlson's claim.
Carlson's career has been marked by a series of polarizing statements, from questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results to promoting misleading narratives about the COVID-19 pandemic. His recent comments regarding Putin reflect a broader pattern of pushing controversial and unfounded claims, often without the backing of verifiable evidence. Critics argue that this approach not only misleads the public but also undermines efforts to address serious global issues, including Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
