Tucker Carlson in Moscow to Interview Russian President Vladimir Putin

Paresh Jadhav

11 months ago

Tucker Carlson’s movements since leaving Fox News are being closely tracked by pro-Kremlin media. On Wednesday, Margarita Simonyan of RT (formerly Russia Today) Editor-in-chief stated that Carlson was in Moscow in hopes of conducting an interview with Vladimir Putin.

An interview of Putin would mark the first by a western journalist since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to confirm or deny rumors, noting “many foreign journalists” visit Russia regularly.

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The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped about whether former Fox News host Tucker Carlson may visit Moscow, prompting speculation among pro-Kremlin media outlets that he may interview Vladimir Putin.

On Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm Moscow time, state media outlet RIA Novosti reported that a van bearing American license plates left the Presidential Administration, sparking speculation that Carlson may have come there for an interview with Putin. On Saturday he had visited Bolshoi Theatre before making further appearances across town – such as at hotel restaurants.

House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene furthered speculation, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that Democrats were reacting negatively to Tucker Carlson interviewing Putin, with pro-Kremlin TV commentator Ivan Filippov mocking any notion that an interview could alter Western perceptions of Putin by noting even well-paid propagandists cannot control public opinion; they can, however, influence some individuals.

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Sighting of an American journalist in Russia has led to speculation he will attempt to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin. The right-wing media personality has previously garnered headlines in America for his criticism of Ukraine and support of Russian oligarch Volodymyr Zelensky.

Carlson reportedly arrived in Moscow on February 1, and was seen at the Bolshoi Theater. Pro-Kremlin media outlets have used footage of his visit to create speculation that he will interview Putin.

Carlson declined to comment while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated they cannot provide details about foreign journalists visiting Moscow. Margarita Simonyan of RT editor-in-chief noted Carlson had been trying to interview Putin and that Carlson’s visit would provide an ideal opportunity. Newsweek attempted to contact Carlson/Simonyan but has yet to receive an response; since April when his sudden firing from Fox, Carlson has hosted his prime-time show on social media platform X.

RIA Novosti

Tucker Carlson reportedly arrived in Moscow as part of his plan to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting speculation he may become the first Western media figure since Russia invaded Ukraine to conduct such an interview. Pro-Kremlin outlets have contributed to this speculation by reporting his minivan with camera equipment reportedly leaving his hotel and heading toward the Presidential Administration.

Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of Russia Today (RT), the state-owned TV channel widely known in the West as Russia Today, expressed an interest last week in interviewing Tucker Carlson on X, where his rightwing talk show Tucker on X can be found. Recently launched to capitalize on Carlson’s popularity and to capitalize on Carlson’s fame; Kremlin has encouraged state media outlets to use as much footage of Carlson as possible as they praise his criticisms of US and NATO involvement in Ukraine conflict.

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State-controlled media outlets were quick to speculate that Carlson might become the first Western journalist since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine to interview President Putin directly. Though Carlson may enjoy great popularity since debuting his X-based talk show Tucker on X, former Fox News host Carlson remains tight-lipped regarding his trip.

Conservatives such as former House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene fueled speculation on this subject by posting to X that Democrats are spasming at the prospect of Tucker Carlson interviewing Vladimir Putin. Carlson has yet to publicly address his trip; he did, however, address his firing from Fox News via video posted to X.

The Kremlin declined to respond directly, with its spokesperson noting that “it would be unreasonable of us” to offer details about foreign journalists’ movements. Still, Carlson’s visit may well be exploited as propaganda by state-linked media outlets which have already started playing excerpts of his Tucker on X broadcasts on state-controlled outlets.