Overview
- StopAntisemitism announced the designation on Dec. 21–22 after an internal vote that the organization said passed by a wide margin.
- The watchdog pointed to Carlson’s late-October sit-down with Nick Fuentes, who praised Stalin and railed against “organized Jewry,” as a key factor.
- Carlson’s criticism of “Christian Zionists” during that interview and his praise for Holocaust revisionist Darryl Cooper were cited in the group’s rationale.
- Conservative reactions remain divided, with Ben Shapiro urging institutions to sever ties, Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts defending Carlson, and President Donald Trump saying people can judge the Fuentes interview themselves.
- Carlson has denied antisemitism, telling a recent audience that such hatred is immoral in his religion, while StopAntisemitism warned that his reach helps normalize anti-Jewish tropes; other finalists included Bryce Mitchell and Stew Peters.