Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has sparked significant controversy within the MAGA movement following his December 7, 2025, announcement at the Doha Forum regarding plans to acquire property in Qatar. The former Fox News host disclosed his intentions during an interview with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, leading to immediate criticism from conservative figures.
In his conversation with the prime minister, Carlson addressed allegations about his ties to Qatar. “I have been criticized as being a tool of Qatar, and I just want to say, which you already know, I have never taken anything from your country and don’t plan to,” Carlson stated. He then announced his decision to purchase property in Qatar.
Carlson explained his decision by highlighting his freedom as an American citizen. He expressed admiration for Doha’s aesthetics and emphasized the move as a demonstration of his independence. While denying financial ties to Qatar, Carlson acknowledged that his property purchase would involve financial transactions with the country.
The announcement reverberated through conservative circles, with Texas Senator Ted Cruz leading the criticism against Carlson. The 54-year-old senator, who has previously disagreed with Carlson on Iran policy, posted an AI-generated image of Carlson from the Qatar interview, along with explicit commentary.
Cruz had labeled Carlson “QatarFirst” when reports of his appearance at the Doha Forum surfaced. The senator’s response included mocking a photo shared by Neil Patel, co-founder of Carlson’s Daily Caller network, featuring Patel, Carlson, and Donald Trump Jr.
Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer emerged as another critic, accusing Carlson of money laundering and demanding the release of real estate documents. Loomer, who has dubbed Carlson “Tucker Qatarlson,” claimed he has been promoting Islam and minimizing threats of Islamic terrorism and immigration.
The backlash has led to divisions within the conservative movement, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene defending Carlson against Cruz’s remarks. Greene criticized Cruz as a “Canadian-born Zionist” and accused him of focusing on Carlson instead of substantive issues.
The conflict between Carlson and Cruz has roots in earlier disputes this year. Cruz had previously condemned Carlson for hosting white supremacist Nick Fuentes on his podcast, criticizing fellow Republicans for their silence. The tensions flared over disagreements on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.
In response to the criticism, Carlson reiterated his freedom as an American citizen to travel and engage with others without limitations. He maintained that he operates independently and has not accepted financial compensation from Qatar.
The Doha Forum also featured notable American figures such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire Bill Gates, and Donald Trump Jr. Much of Carlson’s discussion with the Qatari prime minister focused on Israel and regional security concerns.
The controversy underscores growing tensions within the MAGA movement over foreign policy and ideological alignment. Carlson’s interaction with Qatar has distanced some conservative allies, who cite his hosting of controversial figures as a deviation from core conservative values.
Despite the backlash, Carlson has maintained that his actions are independent and not influenced by foreign governments. The property acquisition signifies his assertion of personal freedom in decision-making, irrespective of political pressure from former allies.
