A viral clip of American commentator Tucker Carlson caused controversy when he suggested that societies governed by Sharia law are “more advanced” than those in the West.The comment was made during one of his episodes of The Tucker Carlson Show.In the volume, Carlson says: “There is not a single Western city that is prosperous… They are all in moral and physical decline due to self-loathing and a lost will to live.”
He further draws the comparison: “Sharia law has made Islamic societies more advanced than those in the West.”Carlson then compared it to his experiences in the Middle East. “I travel a lot in the Middle East. It’s amazing. They’re Muslim. A country governed by Sharia law. And you go there and it’s incredible to be in a place that is proud of itself, that believes in its religion and culture, that thinks ‘We’re doing something.’ It is this kind of confidence that creates stability and hospitality.”The comments sparked backlash, particularly from right-wing and MAGA voices. Laura Loomer accused Carlson of “romanticizing” jihadist societies and claimed that his comments support her long-standing allegation that he effectively “converted to Islam” or became a foreign-influenced “Cutlerson” figure.Social media users also said Carlson’s comments were meant to praise systems that oppress Christians and Jews while attacking Western values.However, Carlson’s supporters and the team rejected those claims. He pointed to the full transcript of the episode, saying none of the quotes were fabricated and that Carlson had not called for the US to adopt Sharia law. Instead, they described his remarks as an observation about why some Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates appear stable and confident compared to Western capitals.He also emphasized that Carlson has repeatedly described himself as a “fervent Christian” with no intention of proselytizing.The dispute comes amid an ongoing rift in conservative circles over foreign policy, particularly US involvement in the Middle East, support for Israel and the war on Iran.Carlson also visited Qatar a few months ago for the Doha Forum, where he interviewed the country’s Prime Minister. During the program, he announced plans to buy a house in Doha and said that he liked the city and that he was working as an “independent person” choosing where to live.