From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 17, 2025
Trump defends Tucker Carlson after interview with antisemitic activist Nick Fuentes
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US President Donald Trump brushes aside concerns about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Nick Fuentes, a far-right activist known for his antisemitic views and Holocaust denial, which has caused a schism within the Republican Party.
Trump defends Carlson, saying the former Fox News host has “said good things about me over the years.” He did not criticize Carlson or Fuentes.
Trump tells reporters before flying back to Washington from a weekend in Florida that when it comes to Carlson, “You can’t tell him who to interview.”
“If he wants to interview Nick Fuentes, I don’t know much about him, but if he wants to do it, get the word out,” Trump says. “People have to decide.”
Trump a few minutes later adds, “Meeting people, talking to people for somebody like Tucker — that’s what they do. You know, people are controversial.”
Fuentes appears to appreciate Trump’s sentiment, posting “Thank you Mr. President!” along with video of his interaction with reporters.
Trump: We have had some great interviews with Tucker Carlson but you cannot tell them who to interview. If he wants to interview Nick Fuentes—I do not know much about him
Reporter: You were with Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago pic.twitter.com/ucKsMvmNdA
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 16, 2025
It’s not the first time Trump has been asked about Fuentes. Three years ago, he hosted Fuentes at a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort, along with the rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, shortly after Ye had embarked on a stream of antisemitic invective.
Trump at the time said he had not previously met Fuentes and “knew nothing about” him.
Fuentes’ visit to Trump’s estate was condemned by numerous Republicans, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who said it was wrong for Trump “to give a white nationalist, an antisemite and Holocaust denier, a seat at the table.” Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, also condemned the visit.
Carlson, who has hosted Holocaust revisionists multiple timesand is a harsh critic of Israel, had an amiable sit-down on his podcast last month with Fuentes that touched off a controversy among conservatives.
The Times of Israel Community.