Journalist and author Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large for Tablet Magazine and host of The Rootless Podcast, joined Dan Proft on Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss the growing controversy surrounding former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and his recent interviews with far-right figures and foreign adversaries. Leibovitz argued that Carlson’s choices reveal a disturbing ideological shift — one that embraces anti-American narratives while undermining mainstream conservatism.
Leibovitz’s comments came amid backlash to Carlson’s friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, as well as his recent praise of Russia and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. “If you don’t have time for U.S. senators but sit down for fawning interviews with Vladimir Putin and the Iranian president, you’re not a conservative — you’re an Obama Democrat with a flag pin,” Leibovitz said. “And frankly, you’re being anti-American.”
The discussion followed First Things essays by Carl Trueman and Joe Sternberg, who warned that right-wing pundits like Carlson are exploiting celebrity and grievance politics at the expense of serious conservative ideas. Leibovitz agreed, saying Carlson’s “anti-humanist” framing of global events mimics the nihilistic rhetoric of the woke left. “He repeatedly paints America as an oppressive force and platforms people who despise our institutions,” he said. “It’s the same game of resentment — just with a different audience.”
Leibovitz also warned that Carlson’s attacks on Israel and Jewish institutions were a strategic attempt to fracture the Republican coalition. “This isn’t about Jews,” he explained. “It’s an attack on evangelical Christians — the GOP’s most loyal voters. By pushing the idea that ‘the Jews are attacking Christian churches,’ Carlson is trying to drive a wedge between evangelicals and their support for Israel.”
The Tablet editor described Carlson’s recent programming as part of a broader ideological pivot. “Look at who he keeps choosing to feature — Putin, the president of Iran, Fuentes, Daryl Cooper,” Leibovitz said. “You tell people who you are by the guests you platform. And what he’s showing is contempt for America, not courage in asking hard questions.”
While some defenders argue Carlson is simply exploring controversial viewpoints, Leibovitz dismissed that defense as hollow. “He’s not conducting journalism,” he said. “He’s building a following by flattering the fringes — and that’s not free speech; that’s performance.”
Leibovitz closed by emphasizing that his criticism was not about personal animosity but ideological clarity. “I used to like Tucker,” he said. “But he’s moved from being an independent thinker to an apologist for America’s enemies. That’s not conservative. That’s corrosive.”