- Carlson’s interview with Putin was published on his website Thursday
- Former Fox host says Americans have a right to hear from him about the war in Ukraine
Tucker Carlson’s long-awaited interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been released.
The former FOX host posted the interview on his website, the Tucker Carlson Network, shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday.
It is also expected to be published on X.
The controversial interview has drawn criticism from the White House and the EU, both of which say Putin cannot be trusted and should not be listened to.
In promotional videos, Carlson said he conducted the interview out of a sense of duty to the American people who deserve to know about the conflict in Ukraine.
Tucker Carlson with Vladimir Putin in their long-awaited interview
At the White House daily briefing on Thursday, communications coordinator John Kirby told reporters that Americans should not believe anything Putin says.
The interview comes at a crucial moment in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the Biden administration coming under increasing pressure over its continued support for Ukrainian President Zelensky’s expensive defense against Putin’s military.
Today, before the interview ended, White House communications coordinator John Kirby told Americans not to believe “anything” in the interview.
“Anyone watching that interview should be aware that you are listening to Vladimir Putin,” he said.
“You shouldn’t take anything he has to say at face value.”
Kirby added, “The American people know full well who is to blame here, and I think they know there was no basis for the invasion two years ago.
‘He invaded a neighboring country without provocation, Ukraine posed no threat to anyone.
“The American people understand that, the American people understand what Ukraine is fighting for.
“All they’re asking for is our help, they’re not asking for boots on the ground. I don’t think the American people will be swayed by one interview.”
While Democrats resist the idea of Carlson giving Putin a platform — including Hillary Clinton, who would label Carlson a “useful idiot” — others embrace it.
Robert Kennedy Jr. praised Carlson’s efforts earlier this week, saying he had every right to speak to the world leader and inform the public of his position.
The Kremlin cheerfully promoted the interview earlier this week.
Carlson, 54, announced he would interview the Russian leader earlier this week, and the interview will go live on X tonight at 6 p.m.
