Poland Demands Apology from Tucker Carlson Over WWII Comments

Poland has called for an apology from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson following his remarks about Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Poland and critique of the United Kingdom’s involvement in World War II. Bogdan Klich, charge d’affaires at the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., accused Carlson of excusing Hitler’s actions after Carlson questioned the UK’s decision to confront Nazi Germany. Newsweek attempted to get a comment from the Tucker Carlson Network.

What Did Tucker Carlson Say?

During a podcast with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former British Cabinet minister, Carlson suggested that Hitler had grievances over the territorial changes following World War I that transferred land to Poland. He questioned the UK’s participation in the conflict. According to Carlson, Hitler claimed 15% of Poland was formerly part of Germany, given to Poland during the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, describing the idea of Germany’s random invasion of Poland as false.

Carlson claimed the UK had no stake in the conflict and dismissed the war as a pretense of noble action. In response, Rees-Mogg defended the UK’s participation as a moral necessity, implying that confronting Hitler was crucial to prevent further atrocities. He emphasized the UK’s strengthened position post-war, suggesting otherwise, English speakers in the UK might have faced cultural and linguistic changes.

Carlson questioned the significance of this, prompting Rees-Mogg to warn him about the implications of appearing to support Hitler.

What Did the Polish Embassy Say?

Klich’s statement on October 5 expressed outrage at Carlson’s inaccurate and unsettling remarks. Carlson’s claim about the Treaty of Versailles was denounced as an insult to war victims, including U.S. soldiers who suffered during the war.

He noted Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, following its annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938. Germany attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, after voiding a non-aggression pact with Poland established five years earlier. Klich stressed the Allied declaration of war against Germany was crucial, as Hitler pursued global domination.

Klich urged Carlson to retract and apologize for his misleading remarks, highlighting Carlson’s freedom of speech but condemning his perceived defense of Hitler.

Who Else Has Responded?

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, criticized Carlson’s statements on social media, affirming the UK’s and America’s improved states post-WWII victory. He stated unequivocally that a Nazi victory would have worsened global conditions.

The Berlin-based Polish Institute of Culture and Research issued a statement criticizing Carlson’s comments for normalizing the justification of past injustices for modern-day issues. They warned that such views could erode human rights and destabilize the international order.

Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Sam Wilson are covering this story.