Political commentator Tucker Carlson is publicly disputing claims that Venezuela is a primary source of illegal drugs entering the United States, arguing that the substances fueling the country's overdose crisis originate elsewhere.
Carlson made the comments on his podcast, questioning the premise that narcotics flows into the United States are driven by the Venezuelan government or criminal groups in the country. He focused particularly on fentanyl, which U.S. officials say has played a central role in overdose deaths.
"Does fentanyl come from Venezuela? No, it doesn't. It actually comes from Mexico," Carlson said.
He expanded the argument to other major narcotics. He said methamphetamine is produced in Mexico, while cocaine is primarily sourced from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. He acknowledged that some drugs could have indirect connections to Venezuela but argued that the country is not a major production or transit hub.
"The majority of the drugs that end up in this country do not come from Venezuela. They are not produced there. They are not trafficked through there," Carlson said.
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Carlson also challenged claims that Venezuelan organizations are central to the violence and distribution networks associated with drug trafficking in the United States. He argued instead that U.S. drug markets are supplied and controlled by criminal groups elsewhere in the region. "The cartels that distribute them and kill people here are not Venezuelan," he said.
His remarks come as members of the U.S. government, including former President Donald Trump, have cited alleged Venezuelan involvement in drug trafficking as justification for recent maritime strikes on vessels off the Venezuelan coast. Carlson did not comment on the strikes directly but cast doubt on assertions that Venezuela is the source of the narcotics they are purported to target.
Carlson's remarks arrive as he faces new scrutiny within conservative circles after featuring white supremacist Nick Fuentes on his podcast this week. During the episode, Carlson criticized Republicans supportive of Israel, referring to some as "Christian Zionists" seized by a "brain virus." Fuentes praised Stalin and said "organized Jewry" held excessive influence. He has publicly supported Hitler.
Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts defended Carlson, calling him a "close friend." He argued that criticizing Israel is not inherently antisemitic and said conservative infighting was counterproductive. Roberts rejected calls to "cancel" either Carlson or Fuentes, saying disagreements should be handled through debate. The position drew sharp criticism from the Republican Jewish Coalition, whose CEO said he was "appalled, offended and disgusted."
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