Tucker Carlson Sides With Abdul El-Sayed Over 9/11 Remarks
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson sided with Michigan Democratic Sen. candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, defending the candidate’s remarks about the U.S. response to 9/11. Carlson’s support came amid criticism from Republican Mike Rogers, who called El‑Sayed’s stance disqualifying. The clash highlights di…
On September 14, 2026, Tucker Carlson, a long‑time Fox News commentator, publicly backed Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed after the former host criticized the United States’ post‑9/11 actions. Carlson’s defense sparked a heated exchange with Republican Mike Rogers, who accused El‑Sayed of being “disgusting” and unfit for public office.
Who Are the Players?
Abdul El‑Sayed is a former mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, and a progressive Democrat running for the U.S. Senate. He has positioned himself as a critic of U.S. foreign policy, especially the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike Rogers, a Republican and former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, is the Trump‑backed candidate who has a long record on national security issues. Tucker Carlson, once a staunch hawk for the Iraq War, has shifted his public stance, now openly supporting El‑Sayed’s critique of U.S. war policy.
El‑Sayed’s 9/11 Commentary
In a 2021 podcast, El‑Sayed said, “9/11 scarred our country in profound ways, but what we did after 9/11 scarred millions of other people. When we talk about 9/11, we often fail to center them.” Four days before the 20th anniversary of the attacks, he posted a message that mourned the nearly 3,000 Americans killed and then shifted to the casualties of U.S. wars abroad. The tweet, later deleted, read: “Today, I mourn the 3K lives, 6K injuries, & infrastructural devastation in NYC, perpetrated ignorantly in the name of my faith. Tomorrow, I’ll mourn ~1M lives, millions of injuries, & infrastructural devastation in 3 countries, perpetrated ignorantly in the name of my country.”
El‑Sayed’s remarks drew criticism from Rogers, who called the approach “disgusting” and “disqualifying” for a Senate candidate. He also highlighted El‑Sayed’s association with left‑wing figures such as Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial statements about 9/11.
Carlson’s Intervention
In his Friday newsletter, Carlson declared El‑Sayed “obviously right” and urged Michigan voters to keep Rogers “far away from Washington.” He framed the debate as a critique of the U.S. response to 9/11, arguing that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were unjustified and caused “dozens and dozens of 9/11s.” Carlson also pointed out that Rogers, a former intelligence committee chair, had a long record on national security that El‑Sayed seemed to dismiss.
Carlson’s support was notable because it came from a former Fox News host who had once backed the Iraq War. His shift to defending a progressive candidate against a Trump‑endorsed Republican signals a broader realignment among some media figures.
What Happens Next?
The Michigan Senate race is still in its early stages, and both candidates are preparing for a contentious campaign. Rogers has pledged to focus on national security and counter‑terrorism, while El‑Sayed has emphasized a critique of U.S. foreign policy. Carlson’s endorsement may influence Fox News viewers, but it remains unclear how much sway it will have on the electorate. The debate over the legacy of 9/11 and the U.S. response continues to be a polarizing issue that could shape voter sentiment in the upcoming election.
Why It Matters
The clash underscores how the narrative surrounding 9/11 remains contested, with implications for U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics. It also highlights the shifting alliances within American media and politics.
Key Takeaways
- Tucker Carlson publicly supports Abdul El‑Sayed over Republican Mike Rogers.
- El‑Sayed’s 9/11 remarks criticize the U.S. response and highlight war casualties.
- Rogers calls El‑Sayed’s stance disqualifying and “disgusting.”
- Carlson frames the debate as a critique of post‑9/11 U.S. wars.
- The Michigan Senate race is poised to become a battleground over U.S. foreign policy narratives.
FAQ
- What is the main controversy? The controversy centers on Abdul El‑Sayed’s criticism of the U.S. response to 9/11 and Tucker Carlson’s defense of those remarks against Republican Mike Rogers.
- Why did Tucker Carlson support El‑Sayed? Carlson believes El‑Sayed’s critique of U.S. wars is valid and sees Rogers’ stance as a threat to Washington.
- What is the impact on the Michigan Senate race? The endorsement may sway Fox News viewers and highlight the broader debate over U.S. foreign policy among voters.
Why it matters
The debate over 9/11 and U.S. war policy reflects deep divisions in American politics, influencing how voters perceive candidates’ stances on national security and foreign intervention.
Key points
- Tucker Carlson backs Abdul El‑Sayed over Mike Rogers
- El‑Sayed criticizes U.S. post‑9/11 actions
- Rogers calls El‑Sayed’s stance disqualifying
- Carlson frames debate as critique of wars
- Michigan Senate race becomes battleground over foreign policy
Frequently asked questions
What is the main controversy?
The controversy centers on Abdul El‑Sayed’s criticism of the U.S. response to 9/11 and Tucker Carlson’s defense of those remarks against Republican Mike Rogers.
Why did Tucker Carlson support El‑Sayed?
Carlson believes El‑Sayed’s critique of U.S. wars is valid and sees Rogers’ stance as a threat to Washington.
What is the impact on the Michigan Senate race?
The endorsement may sway Fox News viewers and highlight the broader debate over U.S. foreign policy among voters.
