Fox News called out for seeming to support Russia as tensions rise with Ukraine

On Don Lemon Tonight Tuesday, Don Lemon called out Fox News for the plethora of hosts and guests who seem to be outwardly supportive of Russia in the country’s burgeoning conflict with Ukraine, and heightened tensions with the United States. Fox’s most popular opinion host, Tucker Carlson, has repeatedly defended Russia’s actions, beginning his show most nights with such a message.

“With tensions at an all-time high, you’ve gotta wonder, why does a certain network seem to love Vladimir Putin so much?” Lemon said. “You all know who I’m talking about. I’m talking about the Fox propaganda network… What we’re seeing is a whole lot of praise for the authoritarian strongman who rules Russia with an iron fist.”

Fox’s narrative has reportedly swayed some viewers to side with Russian aggression, leading Lemon to question why the message is being pushed.

“That could come straight out of the Putin playbook. To Russia with love,” Lemon said. “And it raises a whole lot of questions about what the Fox propaganda network is up to. What are they up to? And whose propaganda they're pushing, really.”

Video Transcript

DON LEMON: With tensions at an all time high, you've got to wonder why does a certain network seem to love Vladimir Putin so much? What we're seeing is a whole lot of praise for the authoritarian strongman who rules Russia with an iron fist.

KYLIE MAR: CNN's Don Lemon called out Fox News, Tuesday, as many of the network's personalities and guests seem to be supporting Russia as tensions continue to rise with Ukraine. Fox's most popular opinion host, Tucker Carlson, has repeatedly defended Russia's escalation of the situation, while others have been very complimentary of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

TUCKER CARLSON: Why is it disloyal to side with Russia but loyal to side with Ukraine?

- Putin doesn't fear our military. He knows that diversity is no match for excellence.

- We had respect for him and his power. He's a very talented statesman. He has lots of gifts.

KYLIE MAR: This narrative has reportedly swayed some viewers to side with Russian aggression. And Lemon questioned why some at Fox are pushing this message.

DON LEMON: That can come straight out of the Putin playbook, "To Russia with Love." And it raises a whole lot of questions about what the Fox propaganda network is up to? What are they up to? And whose propaganda they're pushing really?

KYLIE MAR: Earlier in the night on MSNBC, Rachel Maddow also took a jab at Fox's coverage of the burgeoning conflict.

RACHEL MADDOW: Every country in the West is worried about Russia potentially starting this new war. Everybody except for our friends at Fox News Primetime, who are apparently rooting for Russia in this instance and wouldn't mind a war. But elsewhere in the West, everybody's worried about it.