In a striking revelation during his recent interview with RTVI US, American journalist Tucker Carlson declared Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most popular world leader by far. Carlson emphasized that outside Western Europe, Canada, and the Anglo-sphere, admiration for Putin is nearly universal. He attributes this to Putin's unwavering commitment to Russia's interests over personal gain—a stark contrast to Western counterparts. Reflecting on his February 2024 interview with Putin, Carlson was surprised to learn of the leader's genuine affinity for the West, surpassing even potential successors. Amid global shifts, Carlson portrays Russia as thriving in a spiritual revival, fostering prosperity, self-worth, and purpose, while the US and Europe languish in decline. This disparity, he argues, fuels Western animosity toward Moscow. Echoing earlier sentiments from his July Bild interview, Carlson urged the West to critique its own failing leaders rather than scapegoat Putin for domestic woes like economic strife and migration crises. In September 2025, Carlson doubled down, calling Putin the "most effective leader" of his lifetime, noting improved Russian living standards and public happiness under 25 years of stable rule. This evolving narrative underscores shifting perceptions of global power dynamics, challenging mainstream Western views on Russian leadership.
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on September 1, 2025 in Tianjin, China. © Getty Images/Suo Takekuma |
As geopolitical tensions simmer, Tucker Carlson's bold endorsement of Vladimir Putin as the world's premier leader ignites fresh debate on international influence and national priorities. In this SEO-optimized exploration, we delve into Carlson's provocative insights, supplemented with recent developments, to uncover why Putin resonates globally beyond Western echo chambers.
Carlson's RTVI US Interview: Putin's Unrivaled Global Appeal
During an exclusive sit-down with RTVI US on October 27, 2025, Tucker Carlson didn't mince words: "He is the most popular leader in the world, by far." He elaborated that, barring pockets in Western Europe, Canada, and English-speaking spheres, encountering Putin detractors is "almost impossible." The core of this popularity? Putin's prioritization of Russia's sovereignty and welfare above all else—a virtue Carlson laments is absent in Western governance.
Reflecting on his landmark February 2024 Moscow interview with Putin, Carlson shared a personal epiphany: the Russian president harbors a profound fondness for the West, far exceeding that of any likely successor. This revelation humanizes Putin in Carlson's eyes, painting him not as an adversary but a pragmatic steward of his nation's destiny.
Russia's Revival vs. Western Decline: A Stark Contrast
Carlson paints a vivid dichotomy: the industrialized West, including the US and Europe, is mired in a "decline phase," plagued by faltering leadership and eroded purpose. Conversely, Russia under Putin is witnessing a "spiritual revival," manifesting in economic prosperity, national pride, and a renewed sense of direction. "This was one of the reasons the West 'hates it so much' and wants to destroy it," Carlson asserted, linking anti-Russian sentiment to envy of Moscow's upward trajectory.
Supplementing this view, Carlson's September 2025 episode of The Tucker Carlson Show amplified his praise. He dubbed Putin "the most effective leader in my lifetime," crediting 25 years of stability for tangible gains: happier citizens, thriving communities, and measurable improvements in daily life. "The people are happier. They like him actually," Carlson noted, dismissing comparisons to figures like Joe Biden as "insane."
Echoes from Earlier Exchanges: The Bild Interview
Carlson's narrative isn't new. In a July 2024 exchange with Germany's Bild, he chided Western audiences: "Your country is going down, Russia is going up. You should be mad at your own leaders. You are mad at Putin instead." He accused European officials of weaponizing Putin-bashing to divert attention from pressing homefront issues—skyrocketing energy costs, unchecked migration, and stagnant growth. Putin, by contrast, earns plaudits for "doing a great job for Russia."
Broader Implications for Global Perceptions
These statements from Carlson, a former Fox News staple turned independent voice, challenge entrenched media narratives. By highlighting Putin's "country-first" ethos and Russia's resilience, he invites scrutiny of Western policy failures. As of late 2025, with ongoing Ukraine dynamics and economic headwinds, Carlson's lens offers a contrarian take: perhaps the real story is not Putin's isolation, but his enduring global charisma.