Tucker Carlson reportedly unleashed a blistering critique of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss during his appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, arguing that Weiss’s rapid ascent is proof that America’s major institutions are no longer run on talent, merit, or creativity—but on insider favoritism. Carlson, long known for challenging the credibility of elite institutions, did not mince words as he tied Weiss’s rise to what he called a broader collapse in standards across the country.
Carlson began by criticizing billionaire financier Bill Ackman, calling him emblematic of a leadership class he believes is unqualified yet inexplicably powerful. “Bill Ackman’s worth like $8 billion or something… but I know Bill Ackman. He’s kind of dumb. He’s not ever created anything. He’s totally non-creative,” Carlson said. His point, he emphasized, was not personal animosity but rather what Ackman represents: “If you pay close enough attention and you realize that the people running everything are stupid, then you think, ‘Well, actually, the system is truly rigged on behalf of people who do not deserve these positions at all.’”
Pivoting to Weiss, Carlson made clear his criticism went far beyond political differences. “In no fair system, in no meritocracy, would Bari Weiss rise above secretary,” he said. “There’s no world in which Bari Weiss rises to the top of a news network except a rigged world.” Carlson, who has worked in media for decades, said he found it “shocking” that someone he views as lacking basic knowledge could be elevated to such a powerful position.
Von echoed Carlson’s frustration, observing that major institutions do not seem to be putting forward their most capable people. Carlson agreed, saying it felt like a “humiliation exercise” in which the least-qualified individuals are placed in positions of immense influence. Referencing an incident in which Weiss criticized Tulsi Gabbard over a meeting with Bashar al-Assad, Carlson said: “She didn’t even know who Assad was… she’s an idiot—and we’re gonna put her in charge of CBS News.”
Carlson framed the issue as part of a larger cultural rot that punishes creativity and rewards conformity. “Creativity is what a healthy society rewards,” he argued, calling it the defining trait of human achievement. “Now, because our society is inverse—it’s upside down—creativity is penalized.” Instead, Carlson said, institutions elevate “the single most robotic” people, those who simply repeat approved talking points rather than think independently.
He emphasized that his objections to Weiss are not ideological: “It’s not that she loves Israel. I don’t give a shit what she thinks of Israel. It’s not that she criticizes me.” What offends him, he said, is that her rise reflects a system in which energy, talent, and original thought no longer matter.
Carlson’s comments come as he faces scrutiny for controversial interviews and historical commentary. But for his supporters, his latest critique underscores what they see as a profound disconnect between the American public and the elite institutions that claim to inform and lead it.
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