Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, who routinely rails against the mainstream media, is reportedly a secret and frequent source for reporters in the very organizations he attacks, according to The New York Times.
“Mr. Carlson, a proud traitor to the elite political class, spends his time when he’s not denouncing the liberal media trading gossip with them,” wrote media columnist Ben Smith. “He’s the go-to guy for sometimes-unflattering stories about Donald J. Trump and for coverage of the internal politics of Fox News (not to mention stories about Mr. Carlson himself).”
Carlson’s willingness to dish is an “open secret” in Washington, according to Smith.
Smith said he trades messages with Carlson himself, and said 16 other journalists from outlets other than the Times had all said Carlson has been a source, with three calling him a “great source.”
Read the full report here, which includes a pretty unforgettable piece of art.
Carlson’s rhetoric has turned increasingly extremist, airing conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 insurrection, the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination. He’s also railed against immigrants, and both he and his guests have aired white nationalist talking points.