On October 22, U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson spoke at the University of Indiana, critiqued Poland’s stance on Russia, and urged Poles to confront the war themselves.
Tucker Carlson’s Talk at the University of Indiana
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Tucker Carlson appeared at the University of Indiana as part of TurningPoint USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” launching a discussion on U.S. foreign policy and its implications for Eastern Europe.
During the event a Polish student introduced himself as John (Jan) and argued that a sovereign nation, Ukraine, was being invaded by Russian forces and that Poland had no choice but to help. Carlson countered by calling Ukraine a dependent state, questioning its sovereignty, and asserting that America should not pay for wars abroad.
When the student began to describe Russia’s historical aggression and the defensive role of NATO, Carlson interrupted, stating, “I have a better idea… Fight the war with Russia alone. If you care so much, why don’t you defend Ukraine yourself?”
Student’s Argument on Ukraine and NATO
The student highlighted Ukraine’s legitimate defense against Russian incursions and appealed to NATO’s values of protecting sovereign nations.
In response, Carlson framed the issue as a regional problem, insisting that the United States should not be burdened with the financial cost of protecting Ukraine or Poland, and that the responsibility lay with local actors and their allies.
Propaganda Interview with Putin
In February 2024, Carlson conducted an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin that drew widespread attention and was heavily promoted by Russian propaganda.
Putin urged the cessation of aid to Ukraine, accused Poland of supposed collaboration with Hitler, and blamed it for the outbreak of World War II, citing prewar Polish diplomacy aimed at maintaining friendly relations with Germany.
He also pointed to a 1934 German‑Polish non‑aggression pact and a 1932 USSR‑Polish pact, claiming that Poland had never entered a military alliance with Hitler, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Further false statements made during the interview were not corrected by Carlson.
