Trump defends Tucker Carlson after interview with Nick Fuentes, far-right activist known for his anti-Semitic views

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday brushed off concerns about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with a far-right activist known for his anti-Semitic views, which has caused a rift within the Republican Party.

He watches: Tucker Carlson’s interview with anti-Semite Nick Fuentes reveals discord among Republicans

Trump defended Carlson, saying the former Fox News host “has said good things about me over the years.” If Carlson wants to interview Nick Fuentes, whose followers see themselves as working to preserve America’s white Christian identity, people should decide, he said. Trump did not criticize Carlson or Fuentes.

Fuentes appeared to appreciate Trump’s sentiments, posting “Thank you Mr. President!” Along with a video clip of his interaction with journalists.

Carlson had a friendly encounter on his podcast last month with Fuentes that sparked controversy among conservatives. It upset the Heritage Foundation, as the head of the right-wing think tank defended Carlson in his interview, angering staffers. Heritage President Kevin Roberts later denounced Fuentes’ views.

When it comes to Carlson, “You can’t tell him who’s going to do the interview,” 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 it, spread the word,” Trump said. “People have to decide.”

Trump added a few minutes later: “Meeting people, talking to people for someone like Tucker — that’s what they do. You know, people are controversial.”

Then the president said: “I’m not controversial, so I like it that way.”

This is not the first time Trump has been asked about Fuentes. Three years ago, he hosted Fuentes at a dinner party at his Mar-a-Lago resort, alongside rapper Yee, formerly known as Kanye West.

Trump said at the time that he had never met Fuentes and “knew nothing about him.”

Several Republicans condemned Fuentes’ visit to Trump’s properties, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who said it was wrong for Trump to give “a white nationalist, anti-Semite and Holocaust denier a seat at the table.”

Trump said Sunday that he did not know Fuentes at the time and that he did not know he would come with Yi.

Trump’s defense of the Carlson interview comes as he has used his second-term administration to crack down on colleges and universities over what his administration claims is tolerance of anti-Semitic views during protests over the war between Israel and Hamas.

Carlson has criticized US support for Israel in that war, and has been criticized for his far-right views, including the white supremacist theory that whites are being “replaced” by people of color.

Prices reported from Washington.