Listen to the article
Arkansas Governor Condemns Tucker Carlson for “Dangerous Misinformation” Campaign
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has sharply criticized former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for spreading what she describes as dangerous misinformation, highlighting growing tensions within conservative circles over political rhetoric and factual accuracy.
During an interview with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin on Thursday, Sanders responded forcefully when asked about Carlson’s recent statements expressing regret for his previous support of former President Donald Trump.
“I certainly can’t speak for Tucker, but the things that he has been saying and the things he has been talking about over the course of the last several months are simply not based in fact,” said Sanders, who previously served as Trump’s White House press secretary.
She went on to deliver a pointed rebuke: “I don’t know what the shift brought to him, but the things that he is saying, the type of misinformation that he’s putting out on a daily basis, are not only wrong, but frankly they’re dangerous, and I hope that he’ll have another about-shift at some point and start talking with real facts and stop misleading people around the country.”
The criticism from Sanders comes amid escalating tensions between Carlson and her family. Mike Huckabee, Sanders’ father and former Arkansas governor who currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Israel, recently had a contentious interview with Carlson at Tel Aviv’s airport. The exchange reportedly became heated, with Sanders later commenting that she was “shocked at how calm and measured” her father remained during the encounter, adding she would have been far “more pissed” at Carlson’s behavior.
The public falling-out represents a significant fracture among prominent conservative figures who were once aligned. Carlson, who was fired from Fox News in 2023 after a 14-year stint at the network, has increasingly embraced controversial positions and conspiracy theories in recent years. His rhetoric has included promoting 9/11 trutherism and suggesting federal government involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
More recently, Carlson has focused his attention on Israel, suggesting without evidence that the country is blackmailing Trump and that this alleged blackmail is behind the recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran. This claim came after Trump himself attacked Carlson on social media, calling him a “Hand Flailing Fool” who “couldn’t even finish College” and suggesting he seek psychiatric help.
Carlson’s increasingly outlandish claims have included statements about being physically attacked by a demon while in bed, further distancing him from mainstream conservative thought leaders and raising questions about his credibility among former allies.
The public rebuke from Sanders signals growing concern among establishment Republicans about the impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation on the party’s messaging and credibility. As a sitting governor and former Trump administration official, Sanders represents a more traditional conservative voice pushing back against the type of rhetoric Carlson has come to embody.
Political analysts suggest this divide reflects broader tensions within Republican circles between those seeking to maintain connection to fact-based discourse and those embracing more extreme or unfounded narratives. The friction comes at a time when the party is working to define its identity and messaging strategy heading into future electoral contests.
For Sanders, who has maintained strong ties to Trump while governing a conservative state, the willingness to directly challenge Carlson indicates she sees his rhetoric as potentially harmful not just to the Republican Party but to public discourse more broadly.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
5 Comments
While I respect Governor Sanders, I’m not sure accusing someone of ‘dangerous misinformation’ is the most constructive approach. Perhaps a more nuanced discussion of the complexities involved would be more productive. There are often multiple perspectives on political issues.
Governor Sanders raises a valid point about the importance of factual accuracy in political discourse. However, her strong language may risk further polarization. I hope both sides can find a way to engage constructively and address the substantive issues at hand.
Governor Sanders makes a fair point about the need for political rhetoric to be grounded in facts. Spreading misinformation, regardless of ideological leanings, can indeed be dangerous. Thoughtful analysis and civil debate are essential for a healthy democracy.
It’s concerning to see this level of tension and finger-pointing between conservative figures. Surely there must be room for honest disagreement and good-faith dialogue, rather than dismissing opponents as purveyors of ‘dangerous misinformation’. The stakes are high, so a measured approach is crucial.
This highlights the deep divides within the conservative movement. While I understand Governor Sanders’ perspective, I’m not convinced that labeling Tucker Carlson’s views as ‘dangerous misinformation’ is the most productive approach. Nuance and open discussion are needed to bridge these gaps.