Tucker Carlson named “Antisemite of the Year”

• Conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson was voted 2025’s “Antisemite of the Year” by StopAntisemitism. 
• The group cited his platforming of extremists and normalization of antisemitic ideas.

Podcaster and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was named “Antisemite of the Year” in 2025 by the Jewish civil rights organization StopAntisemitism, a Washington, D.C. based watchdog group, in a public vote that drew significant attention and controversy. 

Group cites interviews and rhetoric

StopAntisemitism said Carlson’s influence stems from his wide reach and his willingness to give platforms to figures known for promoting antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories. The organization pointed to Carlson’s October interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, a self-described Holocaust denier and extremist, as a major factor in the designation. 

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In that interview, Fuentes made disparaging comments about Jewish communities and “organized Jewry”, and Carlson himself criticized Christian Zionists and questioned aspects of US support for ‘Israel’. 

StopAntisemitism’s founder, Liora Rez, said Carlson’s “divisive, hateful, and dangerous rhetoric and his repeated glowing interviews with bigots and Hitler apologists” contributed to his selection as the group’s pick for 2025.

Broader trends and reactions

The organization has previously highlighted Carlson’s promotion of controversial figures including revisionist writers and pastors who have pushed harmful conspiracy theories, arguing that normalizing these voices can fuel harassment and violence against Jewish communities. 

The designation places Carlson in a line of past controversial figures “honored” by the group for alleged antisemitism, alongside other media personalities who have sparked debate over public responsibility. 

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Carlson has denied accusations of antisemitism, stating that his criticisms are focused on political issues and that he condemns hate. No official statement was immediately available in response to the award designation.

Debate on influence and responsibility

The fallout from Carlson’s interview with Fuentes has fueled a wider conversation in US media and politics about the role of influential commentators in amplifying extremist views and the boundaries of free speech versus hate speech.  

Australian and US commentators alike have noted the controversy’s ripple effects within conservative movements, where Carlson’s media choices have exposed ideological rifts over how antisemitism and criticism of foreign policy intersect in public discourse. 

The designation by StopAntisemitism comes amid rising global concern about antisemitism, hate speech, and the responsibilities of powerful media platforms in shaping public attitudes.