Talk show host Tucker Carlson prompted backlash from several figures he called “neocons,” including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and former Trump national security adviser John Bolton.
Carlson hosted right-wing commentator Nick Fuentes on the latest episode of The Tucker Carlson Show. The pair discussed the origins of neoconservatism. Fuentes claimed the movement is composed primarily of Jewish people, which Carlson rebutted.
“How do you explain Mike Huckabee? Ted Cruz? There are a lot like that. John Bolton — I’ve known them all. [Former President] George W. Bush, [Bush senior adviser] Karl Rove, all people I know personally who I’ve seen be seized by this brain virus, and they’re not Jewish,” Tucker said. “Most of them are self-described Christians. And then the Christian Zionists who are, well, Christian Zionists. What is that?”
“And I can just say for myself, I dislike them more than anybody, because like what? Because it’s Christian heresy and I’m offended by that as a Christian,” Tucker added. “That’s why I’m pissed at the neocons. Very pissed. I’ve said that a million times. I’ve been mad since December of 2003 when I went to Iraq.”
Huckabee responded to the clip circulating on X on Tuesday.
“Wasn’t aware that Tucker despises me. I do get that a lot from people not familiar with the Bible or history,” Huckabee wrote. “Somehow I will survive the animosity.”
Cruz also addressed Huckabee’s reaction. Earlier this year, he and Carlson clashed when, during an interview, Cruz did not know the country’s population despite being a vocal advocate of regime change.
“Mike Huckabee is a pastor and a patriot who loves America, loves Israel, and loves Jesus. I’m proud to be in his company!” Cruz wrote.
“It’s remarkable, and sad, watching Tucker turn into Nick Fuentes,” Cruz added.
Bolton responded to Carlson’s comment in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
“I see I’m in good company,” he said.
TUCKER CARLSON ‘GOTCHA’ MOMENT ON CRUZ BACKFIRES INTO SERIES OF MEMES
Fox News fired Carlson in 2023, which prompted the start of his new show, which hosted President Donald Trump before he took office a second time as one of the first guests.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Bush and Rove for comment.
