Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal

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Tucker Carlson: The Pivot to “Qatar First”

In 2025, Tucker Carlson’s rhetorical shift toward the Gulf reached a peak at the Doha Forum, where he systematically dismantled his previous support for the U.S.-Israel alliance in favor of a “Qatar First” framework. This pivot is built on two primary pillars: the elevation of Qatar as a superior, energy-rich strategic partner and the characterization of Israel as a net burden and a source of regional instability.1

1. Pro-Qatar Statements: Elevating the “Indispensable” Ally

Carlson’s rhetoric focuses on framing Qatar as a misunderstood and undervalued partner whose mediation roles and traditional social values are superior to those of the Western liberal order.2

  • On Strategic Superiority: At the 2025 Doha Forum, Carlson argued that the United States should prioritize the six GCC states over Israel, stating that these energy-rich nations offer “very obvious benefits to the United States” and that these relationships are “infinitely more important” than ties to Israel.3 He summed up this view by declaring the U.S. relationship with Qatar alone is “so much more important” than its relationship with Israel (Source: Hudson Institute, Dec 2025).4
  • Defense of Hamas Mediation: Carlson has aggressively validated the Qatari government’s narrative regarding Hamas.5 During his interview with PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, he pressed the point that Qatar hosts Hamas leaders only because “U.S. and Israeli governments requested it” as a necessary “service” to the West (Source: The Singju Post, Dec 2025).6
  • Alignment with Social Values: Carlson has bridged his domestic “culture war” with Qatari traditionalism, praising the country for its lack of nursing homes and multi-generational living. He warned the PM that Western NGOs criticize Qatar because “they’re trying to break up your families” and are “yelling at you for not having enough transgender Qataris” (Source: The Tucker Carlson Show, 2025).
  • Personal Commitment: To signal his alignment, Carlson famously announced: “I am, however, tomorrow, buying a place in Qatar… to make the statement that I’m an American and a free man” (Source: The Jerusalem Post, Dec 2025).7

2. Anti-Israel Statements: Framing the “Strategic Burden”8

Simultaneous with his praise for Doha, Carlson has begun to describe the U.S.-Israel relationship as a “one-way street” that lacks strategic value.9

  • On Israel as a Liability: Carlson has characterized Israel as a “completely insignificant country” with “no resources” and a small population, arguing that it only remains relevant because of the U.S. security guarantee.10 He dismissed the partnership in blunt terms: “What are we getting out of this? Nothing. It’s only cost” (Source: Hudson Institute, Dec 2025).11
  • Condemnation of Military Actions: Following an Israeli strike on a residential area in Doha in late 2025—which targeted Hamas operatives but occurred in a “neutral zone”—Carlson labeled the move “grotesque” and an attempt to “sabotage the relations between Qatar and the United States” (Source: Responsible Statecraft, Dec 2025).12
  • Opposition to Reconstruction Funding: Carlson supported the Qatari refusal to pay for Gaza’s rebuilding, stating that from an American perspective, it is “a little much” to expect Qatar (or the U.S.) to “write the check to rebuild what others [Israel] destroy” (Source: The Singju Post, Dec 2025).13
  • Claims of Moral Failure: In a December 2025 broadcast, Carlson criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, warning that Israel “will be punished” for the civilian casualties and the deaths of children during the conflict (Source: APT News, Dec 2025).14

Why He Is the Perfect “Influence Agent” for Qatar

From Qatar’s perspective, Carlson is the ideal candidate for an influence operation because he provides a high-credibility bridge to the “America First” populist right. Traditionally, this demographic was the most pro-Israel and anti-Arab segment of the U.S. electorate. By rebranding Qatar as a “pro-family,” “anti-liberal,” and “strategic” partner, Carlson allows Doha to bypass the State Department and speak directly to a movement that views the U.S. “Deep State” and its traditional alliances (like Israel) as the primary obstacles to American freedom. He effectively transforms Qatari interests into “authentic” American populism, providing Doha with a “lethal response” (Source: The Media Line) to Israeli lobbying in Washington.

Sources & Full Links