Ted Cruz calls Tucker Carlson ‘most dangerous demagogue,’ blasts Republicans over constant silence

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Ted Cruz sharply criticized conservative commentator Tucker Carlson this week, accusing the former Fox News host of fueling dangerous rhetoric and calling him the “single most dangerous demagogue” in the country.

Cruz made the remarks on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, while speaking at a symposium on anti-Semitism hosted by National Review and the Republican Jewish Coalition in Washington, DC. 

Ted Cruz says anti-Semitism on the right has grown in the last 18 months

While addressing the audience at the symposium, Cruz said he had seen a troubling rise in anti-Semitism within right-wing circles.

“I will say on the right, I have seen more anti-Semitism in the last 18 months on the Right than at any point in my lifetime,” Cruz told attendees.

The senator said the shift has been surprising and worrying to him, especially because he had not expected the issue to grow so quickly.

“A year and a half ago, I could not have imagined we would be here having this conversation. And it is growing. And it is gaining real purchase, especially with young people,” he said.

According to Cruz, the trend is not happening quietly but is being spread by influential voices with large audiences.

“It is being spread by loud voices, the most consequential of whom is Tucker Carlson,” Cruz said.

Ted Cruz brands Tucker Carlson the ‘most dangerous demagogue’

Cruz did not hold back while describing his view of Carlson’s influence.

“I believe Tucker Carlson is the single most dangerous demagogue in this country,” the senator said during his speech.

He also made it clear that he intends to confront the commentator publicly rather than stay silent.

“And I’ll tell you, I’ve made the decision that I’m going to take him on directly,” Cruz added.

The senator argued that Carlson’s podcast interviews have helped promote revisionist ideas about Nazi Germany and the history of the Second World War.

Cruz claimed Carlson had given a platform to what he described as “crackpot professors” who promote fringe interpretations of historical events.

According to Cruz, he believes Carlson’s shift in messaging began after a podcast interview in September 2024 with historian Darryl Cooper. Cruz described that moment as the beginning of what he called Carlson’s “descent” into promoting controversial views about the war.

Ted Cruz says Republicans are afraid to criticize Tucker Carlson

Cruz also took aim at members of his own party, arguing that many Republican politicians are reluctant to call out Carlson by name.

He contrasted that silence with how quickly many conservatives condemn far-right influencer Nick Fuentes.

“Nick Fuentes is easy to denounce,” Cruz said.

However, he argued that Carlson presents a different situation because of his mainstream reach and influence.

“I actually think it’s a tell among a Republican politician if they’ll denounce Fuentes but are scared to say Tucker’s name,” Cruz said.

“That tells you a great deal,” he added.

The comment drew attention because it suggested that some Republican leaders may be hesitant to criticize Carlson due to his large audience and influence within conservative media.

Ted Cruz also criticized Tucker Carlson stance on Donald Trump’s foreign policy

Cruz’s comments at the symposium came just one day after he criticized Carlson on his own podcast, ‘The Verdict.’

During that episode, the senator accused Carlson of undermining President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach.

Cruz said Carlson had effectively “declared war on President Donald Trump’s foreign policy” through his criticism of the administration’s intervention involving Iran.