Fox News host Tucker Carlson used the last minute of his show to walk back a remark he made earlier when he claimed he was rooting for Russia.
On his Monday evening show, Carlson invited former Clinton adviser Richard Goodstein on to discuss President Trumpâs impeachment as it relates to Russia and Ukraine. During a heated exchange, Carlson questioned why the United States should care about Ukraine at all.
âWhy do I care whatâs going on in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia?â Carlson asked. âIâm serious. Why do I care? And why shouldnât I root for Russia? Because I am.â
Carlson noted that heâs not worried about what happens in Europe because he lives in Washington, D.C. He claimed heâs much more concerned about Chinaâs threat to the U.S. than he is about Russia.
His remarks sparked outrage from many who took to Twitter to condemn his comment.
âWhy shouldnât I root for Russia?â is truly and utterly some next level shit propaganda…. and a totally abhorrent thing to say.
Also Iâll make the answer idiot proof. Just google Oleg Sentsov. https://t.co/A4zDK0OnGd https://t.co/iJ4Ea5Wrbz
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 26, 2019
The KGB dreamed of days like this. https://t.co/59Uz9lpvoo
— Gravy Whitta (@garywhitta) November 26, 2019
Of course @TuckerCarlson is rooting for Russia https://t.co/VtuMRfx8Xg
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) November 26, 2019
Before the conclusion of his show, Carlson clarified his remarks and explained that he was joking when he said he was rooting for Russia.
âEarlier in the show, I noted that I was rooting for Russia in the contest between Russia and Ukraine, and of course Iâm joking,â said Carlson. âIâm only rooting for America.â
In the exchange between shows, fellow host Sean Hannity mocked Carlsonâs clarification, saying, âTuckerâs a communist. He just said so.â
âI rooted against Russia when it mattered, by the way,” Carlson replied.
Carlson, 50, hosts the show Tucker Carlson Tonight which is Fox Newsâ second highest-rated show behind Hannity.
