Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a bold accusation, claiming that Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, is funded by Russian state-owned media, without providing concrete evidence. Testifying at a public inquiry into foreign interference on October 18, Trudeau linked Carlson and conservative media figure Jordan Peterson to Russian propaganda efforts, specifically through the state-controlled RT network. According to Trudeau, these personalities helped spread anti-vaccine and pro-Putin messages during events like Canada’s “Freedom Convoy” and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trudeau’s claims, however, have sparked sharp responses. Carlson’s platform, Tucker Carlson Network, has denied any deals with state media. Peterson humorously shot back on social media, asking, “Where the hell is my money?” while poking fun at Trudeau’s allegations.
Though Trudeau referenced a U.S. Department of Justice indictment involving RT’s funding of a U.S. company, neither Carlson nor Peterson were named. The accusations remain unverified, but they have added fuel to ongoing debates over foreign interference and media influence. Carlson, who interviewed Vladimir Putin earlier this year, has been frequently criticized for allegedly echoing Russian talking points, though he insists he’s informing Americans, not supporting the Kremlin.
