Massive Scoop: Tucker Carlson's Father Was a Zionist
Former FDD fellow Joel Mowbray reveals the deep pro-Israel roots of the late Dick Carlson, sharing a moving account of their time together at Yad Vashem. Mowbray draws a sharp contrast between the elder Carlson’s lifelong Zionism and the Israel-hating rhetoric of his son, Tucker, exposing a stark generational rift.
A viral firsthand account posted on X has spotlighted the late Dick Carlson’s deep support for Israel, and drawn a sharp contrast with the views of his son, ex-conservative commentator and now full-blown Israel hater Tucker Carlson.
Joel Mowbray, a former senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) where Dick Carlson served as Vice Chairman, wrote that he spent “10 straight days” with Dick Carlson in Israel, sharing every bus ride, tour, and meal.At Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, Mowbray recalled Dick Carlson saying:
“Thank God the Jews have Israel.”Mowbray said Dick Carlson repeatedly told him that “Jews have faced unique threats throughout history, and that Israel was necessary to protect Jews everywhere.”The two men continued working together at FDD after the trip and met for lunch every month or two for years.
In the lengthy post, Mowbray stated without reservation:
“When it comes to Israel and the Jews, Tucker Carlson is no Dick Carlson.”
He listed specific differences:
Dick Carlson rarely even used the word “Zionist” - yet Mowbray says he was one himself.
Mowbray concluded:
“If you’re looking for a north star to help you understand Israel and the Muslim world, you could do a lot worse than the late, great Dick Carlson. Like, for instance, his son Tucker.”
Dick Carlson, a longtime journalist, diplomat, and media executive, passed away on March 24, 2025.