Tucker Carlson’s highly anticipated interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been released.
The former FOX host posted the interview on his website, Tucker Carlson Network, shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday.
It is also expected to be published on X.
The controversial interview has drawn criticism from the White House and the EU, who say Putin cannot be trusted and should not be listened to.
In promotional videos, Carlson said he conducted the interview out of duty to the American people who deserve to know more about the conflict in Ukraine.
Tucker Carlson with Vladimir Putin in his long-awaited interview
During the daily White House briefing on Thursday, Communications Coordinator John Kirby told reporters that Americans should not believe anything Putin says.
The interview comes at a crucial time in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the Biden administration under increasing scrutiny for its continued support for Ukrainian President Zelensky’s costly defense against Putin’s military.
Today, before the interview ended, White House communications coordinator John Kirby told Americans not to believe “anything” in the interview.
“Anyone watching that interview should make sure to remember that they are listening to Vladimir Putin,” he said.
“You shouldn’t take anything he has to say at face value.”
Kirby added: ‘The American people know well who is to blame here, and I think they know that there was no basis for the invasion two years ago.
‘He invaded a neighboring country without provocation, Ukraine was not a threat to anyone.
‘The American people understand that, the American people understand what Ukraine is fighting for.
‘The only thing they ask for is our help, they do not ask for troops on the ground. “I don’t think the American people are going to be swayed by a single interview.”
While Democrats have bristled at the idea of Carlson giving Putin a platform (including Hillary Clinton calling Carlson a “useful idiot”), others are embracing it.
Robert Kennedy Jr. praised Carlson’s efforts earlier this week and said he had every right to speak with the world leader and inform the public of his stance.
The Kremlin gleefully promoted the interview earlier this week.
Carlson, 54, announced he would interview the Russian leader earlier this week, and the interview will air live tonight on X at 6 p.m.