Former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has sparked controversy with his recent claims regarding the United States’ involvement in Venezuela. Following a reported incursion that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Carlson suggested that the actions were part of a broader agenda to promote same-sex marriage in the country.
During a video shared online, Carlson questioned the motives behind the U.S. operation, asking, “Are we carrying out regime change in Venezuela in the name of gay marriage? It seems that way.” He dismissed the notion that democracy was the driving force behind the U.S. intervention, stating, “We’re not going to go kill Nicolás Maduro because we don’t like the way he’s treating his people.” Instead, he proposed that the U.S. might be upset with Maduro for not allowing same-sex marriage, labeling the situation as a potential “global homo” initiative, a term often associated with conspiracy theories related to LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the provocative nature of his comments, Carlson has since deleted the video. His suggestion has drawn criticism, primarily for its lack of grounding in the political realities surrounding Venezuela. The Trump administration, which orchestrated the incursion, has indicated intentions to support the country’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, in governance. Rodríguez has been a controversial figure herself, and the U.S. strategy appears to focus on stabilizing the region rather than promoting social reforms such as marriage equality.
Venezuela’s political landscape is complex, with significant opposition figures such as María Corina Machado, who is currently in exile. Machado has openly opposed same-sex marriage, a stance echoed by Edmundo González, who ran against Maduro in the last election. This context calls into question Carlson’s assertions, which seem disconnected from the actual political objectives and realities in Venezuela.
This is not the first instance where Carlson has linked prominent political figures to LGBTQ+ issues in a controversial manner. In the past, he made headlines for questioning the authenticity of former U.S. Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg‘s sexual orientation, challenging him to “prove” his identity. Buttigieg did not respond to the challenge.
As discussions about the U.S. intervention in Venezuela continue, Carlson’s comments highlight the intersection of politics and social issues within the media landscape. The implications of the U.S. actions in Venezuela will likely remain a topic of intense debate, especially as various factions vie for influence in the region.
In summary, Tucker Carlson’s provocative theory linking the U.S. incursion in Venezuela to a push for same-sex marriage has been met with skepticism. While his remarks capture attention, they also underscore the ongoing complexities of international relations and domestic social issues intertwined within the political narrative.
