WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed concerns about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with a far-right activist known for his anti-Semitic views. Division within the Republican Party.
President Trump defended Carlson, citing the “good interviews” Carlson has done over the years with the former Fox News host. He said if Carlson wanted to interview. Nick Fuentesits supporters believe they are working to protect America’s white, Christian identity, then “the people have to decide.”
Mr. Carlson sparked controversy among conservatives when he spoke peacefully with Mr. Fuentes on a podcast last month. The case has upset the Heritage Foundation, with the right-wing think tank’s president defending Carlson’s interview, angering staff. Heritage Chairman Kevin Roberts later condemned Fuentes’ views.
“I can’t tell him who to interview” when it comes to Carlson, Trump told reporters as he prepared to return to Washington from a weekend in Florida.
“If he wants to interview Nick Fuentes, I don’t know much about him, but if he wants to do that, let me know,” Trump said. “People have to decide.”
Trump added a few minutes later: “For someone like Tucker, meeting people and talking to people, that’s their job. You know, people are controversial.”
The president then said, “I like that because I’m not a controversial person.”
This is not the first time President Trump has been asked about Fuentes. Three years ago, he hosted Fuentes dinner With rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, at the Mar-a-Lago resort.
President Trump said at the time that he had never met Fuentes and knew “nothing” about him.
Fuentes’ visit to the Trump residence was condemned by many Republicans. Including former Vice President Mike Pence.He said President Trump was wrong to “give a seat at the table to a white supremacist who is an anti-Semite and Holocaust denier.”
President Trump said Sunday that he did not know Fuentes at the time or that he would be coming with Ye.
President Trump defended Carlson’s interview because he has used his second term in office to crack down on Americans. university Regarding the administration’s claims that it condones anti-Semitic views during protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
Carlson has been critical of America’s support for Israel in that war, and has been accused of: his own far-right viewsIncluding the theory of white supremacy. White people are being “replaced” By people of color.
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Price reported from Washington.
