In a video posted on Twitter on Monday, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) called Fox News host Tucker Carlson “complete evil” for allegedly “spewing … Russian propaganda and not news.”
“I got an invitation to do Tucker Carlson’s show tonight and there’s no way I’ll go on his show for a number of reasons,” Kinzinger said. “But first, let me state that his insistence that the west was provoking war with Putin, his spreading lies about biolabs, and his continued spewing of conspiracy theories are nothing but complete evil. His show is full of Russian propaganda and not news. And I will not validate his show by making an appearance.”
The Illinois congressman said he does not want to be associated with Carlson’s “garbage” show “in any way.”
“And let’s talk tactics: when Tucker interviews someone in a hostile way, he interrupts and laughs when he’s been caught in a lie. After the segment’s over, he brings on another guest to try to discredit any statement made by the prior guest without counter,” Kinzinger continued. “He’s not interested in conversations. He’s only interested in himself. And at the end of the day, he’ll continue to use his platform to deceive his all too trusting viewers and to further his own sense of power.”
“The situation in Ukraine is serious and the outlook is dire. And this moment requires serious conversation and decisive action – not a self-serving showboat clamoring for more clicks tonight. So, rather than validate his propaganda programming, I’m going to use my effort to support the Ukrainian people,” he added.
Kinzinger then called on the public to donate to the “Stand with Ukraine” fund at country1st.com, noting that all proceeds will “go to humanitarian aid for those still in Ukraine and for those who become refugees.”
“Tucker has made it clear: he stands with Putin and his war against freedom. I stand with Ukraine, democracy, and the men and women willing to fight and die for their country,” Kinzinger added. “Finally, Sofia and I want to offer our prayers for Benjamin Hall, a Fox News reporter injured in Ukraine. The job they do is dangerous and appreciated. This makes Tucker’s position all the more disgusting.”
Last week, President Joe Biden’s administration warned that Russia may use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine after a top U.S. diplomat told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Ukraine has labs which the U.S. is working to keep out of Russian control. At the same time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of operating chemical and biological weapons labs with the help of the United States.
