Ted Cruz slams Tucker Carlson over claims Charlie Kirk was anti-Israel and ‘hated’ Netanyahu

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) is taking aim at Tucker Carlson after the media host claimed the late Charlie Kirk was anti-Israel and disliked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Texas senator defended Kirk’s record, pushing back against Carlson’s claims and sharing his own account of the conservative commentator’s private concerns before his death.

Ted Cruz says Charlie Kirk warned of antisemitism on the right

Ted Cruz used his X account to criticize Tucker Carlson’s remarks about Charlie Kirk, which included claims that the Turning Point USA founder “did not like Benjamin Netanyahu” and was “appalled by what was happening in Gaza.”

“I’m getting really tired of Tucker & his cronies falsely claiming ‘Charlie agreed with me that Israel is terrible & the problem in America is all the damn Jews….’” Cruz wrote.

“I knew Charlie well & indeed the very last conversation we had was how deeply concerned he was about the rising, toxic wave of antisemitism on the right,” said Cruz.

Tucker Carlson accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of exploiting Charlie Kirk’s death

Carlson criticized Netanyahu’s reaction to Kirk’s killing, accusing the Israeli leader of politicizing the tragedy.

“I was shocked and sickened by the reaction of—the ghoulish and really repulsive reaction of the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Charlie’s death,” Carlson said on his show. 

“Basically made it all about him and all about his country, immediately trying to take the energy, the sadness, the grief that people felt over Charlie’s murder and redirect it towards support for whatever project he’s involved in.”

He continued, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything lower than his attempt to hijack Charlie’s memory and use it for his own political ends, particularly because what he said was completely untrue.” Carlson further alleged that Kirk considered Netanyahu a “destructive” force.

Ted Cruz calls Charlie Krik 'most loyal patriot'

In Newsweek, Cruz also paid tribute, calling Kirk “one of its truest and most loyal patriot.”

He wrote, “From the beginning, Charlie stood out. He was brilliant, bold, courageous, and joyful. He was a happy warrior. Like so many across the country, I struggled to comprehend the news of his death.”

Cruz added, “He was assassinated for speaking the truth, for sharing his heartfelt beliefs, for daring to open conversations across the political spectrum. And his absence leaves a gaping hole in our nation’s soul. When I think back on Charlie's life and all that he accomplished by the age of 31, I'm struck by how profoundly he influenced our nation. He had a gift, and few have done more for America's youth.”

He also wrote, “Yes, he encouraged young Americans to go to the polls. He engaged in open discussion. He wanted to know young people's hearts. But most importantly, he was good for our country because he wanted to revive the souls of Americans.”

“Charlie wanted people to know the Lord, and he wanted to be remembered most for his courage in faith. He was one of the most important Christian evangelists and apologists of modern times,” said Cruz. 

Internet reacts as Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson clash over Charlie Kirk’s legacy

Reactions online quickly poured in as users debated Cruz’s rebuke of Carlson.

“Funny how Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens want us to believe they are the only two people who know all of these secrets about Charlie Kirk. Neither one of them is a trustworthy source of info at this point,” one user wrote on X.

Another accused Cruz of misrepresentation, writing, “No one said that Ted. You couldn’t quote the Bible properly and you can’t quote Tucker properly. Are you back from Israel yet? How was your vacation with your handlers, I mean bosses?”

Where is that exact quote? I didn't see it here,” another user posted. “Tucker embarrassed you in such a way that your credibility will forever be tarnished. Your opinion means nothing as it’s bought and paid for,” one more wrote. 

Others praised Cruz for defending Kirk’s memory, with one user writing, “Thanks for clearing the air. Charlie didn’t say Israel was terrible. Show us the so-called quote. His concern was the ‘leadership’ in Israel’s government.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.