Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, expressed his frustration with the media after an intense exchange with Australian Associated Press reporter Kat Wong during a speaking event in Canberra, Australia.
Carlson lambasted Wong’s questions about his views on immigration, particularly regarding the “Great Replacement Theory,” which posits that white populations in Western countries are being replaced by nonwhite immigrants.
During the event, Wong confronted Carlson, alleging that he had discussed the “Great Replacement Theory” on his show, suggesting that white Australians, Americans, and Europeans were being replaced by nonwhite immigrants. Carlson responded firmly, denying that he had ever made such statements. “Whites are being replaced? I don’t think I said that,” Carlson retorted.
Wong persisted, claiming that the topic had been mentioned on Carlson’s show numerous times. “Well, it’s been mentioned on your show 4,000 times,” she stated. Carlson challenged her to provide a specific instance, asserting that he had never claimed that whites were being replaced. Instead, he clarified his stance on immigration: “I said native-born Americans are being replaced, including blacks, native-born Americans,” he explained. He emphasized that his concerns extended to all Americans whose families have been in the country for generations, regardless of race.
Carlson continued, accusing Wong of starting their interaction with a lie and insisting that she accept his statements at face value. He further elaborated on his views, criticizing world leaders for prioritizing global concerns over the needs of their own citizens. Carlson argued that it was “immoral” for leaders to neglect their responsibilities to their own people in favor of international interests.
Addressing the issue of declining birth rates in the United States, Carlson attributed the trend to economic factors, arguing that the government should focus on creating conditions that allow Americans to have children if they choose. He criticized the practice of “importing people from other countries” as a quick fix, suggesting that this approach undermines efforts to address underlying economic issues. “You don’t just go for the quick sugar fix of importing new people. That’s my position. If you think that’s racist, that’s your problem,” he told Wong.
The exchange grew more heated as Wong insisted she had not called Carlson a racist. Tucker Carlson accused her of implying it, criticizing the media for using indirect accusations. “Your slurs are all by implication. You’re about to tell me the Great Replacement Theory is racist or antisemitic, whatever,” he said. Carlson maintained that his views were honest and factual, rejecting any characterization of them as hateful or racist.
Wong then brought up the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, suggesting that the shooter had been influenced by the same theory Carlson discussed. Carlson dismissed the connection, expressing disbelief and frustration. “How do they get people this stupid in the media? I guess it doesn’t pay well. Look, I’m sorry, I’ve lived among people like you for too long. I don’t mean to call you stupid; maybe you’re just pretending to be,” he responded.
Carlson reiterated his opposition to violence and criticized the media for attempting to link his views to acts of violence. “I hate mass shootings, actually. Nothing I said would inspire anything. My views are not bigoted against any group. They’re honest. They’re factual. That’s not hate; that’s reality,” he stated. He emphasized that his concerns were rooted in a desire to improve the conditions for Americans, particularly regarding economic challenges that prevent people from having children.
The exchange took another turn when Wong asked if Carlson supported gun control. “What?! I thought it couldn’t get dumber, but it did,” Carlson exclaimed. He clarified his stance, opposing disarming law-abiding citizens and advocating for the right to self-defense. “A sovereign person has the right to defend himself and his family, period. That said, I’m opposed to harming anyone, anyone,” he affirmed.
Carlson concluded by taking another swipe at the media, expressing his disappointment in the quality of journalism in Australia. “I got here and the country is so unbelievably beautiful, and the people are so cheerful and funny, and cool, and smart. I’m like, your media has got to be better than ours. It can’t just be a bunch of castrated robots reading questions from the boss, and then it turns out it’s exactly the same. Maybe even a tiny bit dumber,” he remarked.
Carlson’s confrontation with Wong was not the only contentious interaction he had during his visit to Australia. He faced challenging questions on various topics, including vaccines, Ukraine, and Russia, pushing back firmly on several occasions.
