WASHINGTON – Remarks made by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s mother ignited controversy this weekend, drawing accusations of antisemitism from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and prompting widespread condemnation. carlson’s comments, delivered on September 21, 2023, at a private event in Dallas, Texas, centered on the perceived influence of Jewish people in the Biden administration and the broader U.S. government.The controversy underscores escalating concerns about the mainstreaming of extremist rhetoric within conservative circles and the potential for such language to incite violence. The ADL specifically flagged Carlson’s assertion that individuals are “looking at who is really in charge” and noticing Jewish figures in positions of power as echoing a classic antisemitic trope - the idea of Jewish control. The incident arrives amid heightened global sensitivity following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas and a documented surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide.
According to reports,Carlson,speaking about the current political landscape,stated that people are beginning to question the true power brokers in Washington. He suggested that a disproportionate number of influential figures with Jewish heritage hold key positions within the biden administration, implying a hidden agenda. While Carlson did not explicitly name individuals, the implication drew immediate criticism.
The ADL released a statement on September 22, 2023, asserting that Carlson’s remarks “fed into dangerous tropes about Jewish power and control.” The institution further noted that such rhetoric has historically been used to justify discrimination and violence against Jewish communities.Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO, called on leaders across the political spectrum to denounce Carlson’s comments.
Carlson, who was fired from Fox News in April 2023, has since launched a show on X, formerly Twitter, where he continues to cultivate a large following. He has not publicly addressed the specific accusations of antisemitism, but has defended his right to express controversial opinions. The incident is likely to further fuel debate about the boundaries of free speech and the obligation of public figures to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The long-term impact remains to be seen, but the immediate fallout highlights the fragility of interfaith relations and the persistent threat of antisemitism in contemporary society.
