WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Sunday, President Donald Trump downplayed worries surrounding the recent interview conducted by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson with a far-right figure notorious for his antisemitic rhetoric. This interview has sparked division among Republican circles.

Trump stood in support of Carlson, highlighting the “good interviews” he had previously experienced with the former Fox News personality. He expressed that if Carlson chose to interview Nick Fuentes, an advocate for preserving a white, Christian America, “the decision lies with the people.”

The conversation between Carlson and Fuentes, aired on Carlson’s podcast last month, ignited a storm within conservative groups. This included tensions at the Heritage Foundation, where the organization’s president initially backed Carlson, causing internal turmoil. Subsequently, Heritage President Kevin Roberts publicly condemned Fuentes’ ideologies.

Speaking to journalists before heading back to Washington after a weekend in Florida, Trump remarked that, concerning Carlson, “You can’t dictate his interview choices.”

“If he opts to interview Nick Fuentes, I am not well-acquainted with him, but if that’s his choice, let the audience decide,” Trump stated. “People need to make their own judgments.”

A few moments later, Trump added, “Engaging with various individuals, especially for someone like Tucker — that’s part of the job. Controversy is a part of life.”

The president then said: “I’m not controversial, so I like it that way.”

It’s not the first time Trump has been asked about Fuentes. Three years ago, he hosted Fuentes at a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort, along with the rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

Trump at the time said he had not previously met Fuentes and “knew nothing about” him.

Fuentes’ visit to Trump’s estate was condemned by numerous Republicans, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who said it was wrong for Trump “to give a white nationalist, an antisemite and Holocaust denier, a seat at the table.”

Trump said Sunday that he didn’t know Fuentes at the time and that he didn’t know he was coming with Ye.

Trump’s defense of Carlson’s interview comes as he has used his second-term administration to crack down on colleges and universities over what his administration claims is a tolerance of antisemitic views during protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

Carlson has been critical of U.S. support for Israel in that war and has come under fire for his own far-right views, including the white-supremacist theory that says whites are being “replaced” by people of color.

___

Price reported from Washington.