The exchange occurred on a recent episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, where Carlson questioned whether Britain was right to enter the Second World War and suggested that Germany had legitimate territorial claims regarding Poland.
Did You Know? Jacob Rees-Mogg lost his parliamentary seat in 2024 and subsequently carved out a post-politics career as a commentator, while Tucker Carlson launched his own podcast and YouTube channel after leaving Fox News and breaking with the Republican Party in June.
Tucker Carlson Questions The Justification For World War II
During the lengthy discussion at Rees-Mogg’s home, Carlson asked why Britain bothered entering the Second World War in the first place. Carlson claimed that “Hitler did not want to go to war with the UK” and argued that Britain attacked Germany rather than the reverse. He further stated that the idea of Hitler randomly rolling into Poland was a false narrative, pointing to German territorial losses following the Treaty of Versailles. Carlson said the idea that Hitler just randomly entered Poland is a “lie” and that the carving off of German land, including part of Prussia, infuriated the Germans. He added that “the war wasn’t worth fighting in the first place,” citing the number of people killed. Rees-Mogg countered that Britain had a treaty of alliance to protect allies like Belgium and that Hitler’s expansionism represented a classic struggle of good versus evil. While Rees-Mogg expressed uncertainty regarding the justification for the First World War, he maintained that intervention in the second conflict was necessary.
Rees-Mogg Accuses Interviewer Of Verging On Defending Hitler
As the debate intensified, Carlson asked if the UK had benefited from fighting the war, to which Rees-Mogg responded that defeating Hitler prevented a German invasion. Carlson asserted that the British “destroyed their empire and their country” fighting a war they still pretend was a good idea. When Carlson dismissed the prospect of the UK speaking German with the reply “Who cares?” and noted that many people in Britain already do not speak English, Rees-Mogg expressed astonishment. The former Tory minister told Carlson he was “very surprised you’re verging on defending Hitler,” adding that it was not something the host should want to be doing. Rees-Mogg said he was reassured, but later added that “Germany would have invaded us.”
Political Backlash Across The US And UK
The interview drew sharp rebukes from prominent conservative figures on both sides of the Atlantic. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, posted on X that Carlson was opining that the UK should have allowed a Nazi takeover, asking if he had forgotten that Hitler murdered 11 million people. Former British Member of the European Parliament Lance Forman and Texas Senator Ted Cruz also weighed in publicly, asserting that the UK, the US, and the wider world are better off because the Nazis were defeated.
Tucker Carlson Defends German Territorial Claims over Poland
Why did Tucker Carlson and Jacob Rees-Mogg discuss World War II?
The conversation shifted to history about halfway through an hour-long interview that initially focused on modern foreign policy, UK military preparedness, and the perceived threat posed by Russia.
What specific territorial claim did Carlson make regarding Poland?
Carlson asserted that 15% of Poland was once German territory given away at the Treaty of Versailles, arguing that Germany had a valid grievance and justification for reclaiming it.
Who criticized Carlson’s remarks about World War II?
High-profile critics included US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and former British Member of the European Parliament Lance Forman, who all condemned the commentary on social media.
Context on Tucker Carlson’s Historical Commentary
In 2024, Carlson faced criticism for interviewing Darryl Cooper, who described Winston Churchill as the “chief villain” of the Second World War.