What started as a sit-down interview quickly turned into a verbal wrestling match when Senator Ted Cruz and journalist Tucker Carlson clashed over U.S. foreign policy—specifically, America’s involvement in Israel’s recent strikes on Iran.
The two-hour conversation, taped earlier this week, got so tense that it spilled into the headlines and social media, with Cruz labeling Carlson “bat crap crazy” not long after a preview clip aired.
Awkward Exchange Over Iran Population Turns Ugly
The interview began with Carlson pressing Cruz on his knowledge of Iran, asking if the senator could name the country’s population.
Cruz admitted he didn’t know, a stumble that opened the floodgates for more heated exchanges.
Things escalated when Cruz appeared to blur the lines between U.S. and Israeli military action, saying, “Israel is leading them, but we’re supporting them,” which Carlson called “breaking news,” given that the U.S. government had just denied involvement in any offensive strikes.
Cruz quickly walked it back, clarifying, “No, we’re not bombing them. Israel is bombing them,” but the moment had already made its impact.
Cruz Hits Back on His Podcast
By the next morning, Cruz was using his own podcast platform to hit back.
Clearly annoyed, he didn’t hold back in describing Carlson’s foreign policy stance as “bat crap crazy.”
Cruz said Carlson had drifted into full-blown isolationism and claimed the interview had always been destined for friction because of their opposing views on Israel’s military campaign.
Cruz explained that he still agrees with Carlson on most domestic topics—about 80 percent by his estimate—but foreign policy has become a major dividing line between them.
Trump’s Name Gets Pulled Into the Mess
The feud didn’t just stay between Cruz and Carlson. Donald Trump also became a key figure in the conversation.
According to Cruz, Carlson had accused Trump of being complicit in escalating tensions with Iran and warned that the country was on a path toward World War III.
Cruz rejected those claims as “over the top” and criticized Carlson for painting the president as a warmonger.
He also took issue with Carlson’s sharp criticism of AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobbying group, calling his remarks “unhinged” and accusing him of parroting conspiracy theories.
Claims of Iranian Plots and Ignored Warnings
At one point in his podcast, Cruz claimed Iranian operatives had tried to assassinate Donald Trump—a claim Carlson apparently dismissed.
Cruz wasn’t happy with that reaction and said it showed how unwilling Carlson had become to accept what he called “basic facts.”
Full Interview Still to Come
The full Cruz-Carlson interview is set to drop later in the day, and if the preview clip is any indication, it will be packed with more confrontational moments.
With such strong disagreements laid bare, the conversation could fuel even more political division within the conservative movement.
War Talk and Deep State Accusations
Outside the Cruz interview, Carlson has also teamed up with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon to sound the alarm over the possibility of another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The two warned that the so-called “deep state” and hawkish Republicans were manipulating Trump into supporting Israel’s military efforts.
According to them, this path could spell political disaster for the former president.
Trump Responds with Classic Bravado
Not one to sit out a confrontation, Trump fired back at Carlson during a press event at the G7, brushing off the journalist’s critiques.
“I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying, let him go get a television network and say it so the people listen,” he quipped.
He later followed up on social media, doubling down on his stance that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he posted.
What Happens Next?
With major conservative voices now publicly clashing over foreign policy and the direction of the Republican movement, tensions are likely to grow.
Cruz, Carlson, Bannon, and Trump all appear to be digging in—and the upcoming full interview could either widen the divide or trigger new alliances.
One thing’s for sure: the battle lines within the GOP aren’t just about policy anymore—they’re also about who gets to shape the message.