The Ben Shapiro Show
Episode 2388: "Did The CIA SPY On Tucker Carlson?!"
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Ben Shapiro (A)

Episode Overview

This episode investigates Tucker Carlson's recent claims that the CIA is preparing a criminal referral against him, possibly for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) due to his communications with Iranian contacts. Ben Shapiro critically examines these allegations, contextualizes past similar claims, and delves into the broader landscape of political victimhood, conspiracy theories, and shifting narratives within right-wing media. The episode also covers the current state of the US-Iran conflict, the impact on global oil supply, and related political and economic dynamics, ending with commentary on domestic policy debates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tucker Carlson’s CIA Surveillance Claim [(02:59)–(13:25)]

• Tucker’s Allegation [(02:59)]
  Carlson claims the CIA is preparing a "criminal referral" against him for "talking to people in Iran before the war" and that he was being monitored:

  • Tucker (B): “They read my texts. So the crime under consideration apparently would be the Foreign Agent act or something like that… I’m not an agent of a foreign power.”

• Ben’s Skepticism & Context [(03:38)]
  Shapiro immediately casts doubt, highlighting:

  • No confirmation from CIA, DOJ, or NSA
  • Tucker’s previous (unsubstantiated) surveillance claims, e.g., in 2021 against the NSA
  • NSA denied targeting Tucker then:
    • A: “Tucker has a rich history of making such accusations absent supporting evidence.”
    • NSA Statement (quoted): “This allegation is untrue. Tucker Carlson has never been an intelligence target…”

• Legal Background [(04:19)]

  • FARA requires registration only if acting "at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a foreign principal."
  • Shapiro: “Tucker talking with the Iranian government or… spreading their propaganda at his own behest would fall under the protection of the First Amendment.”

• Speculative Motives [(04:50)]

  • Tucker may be seeking political victimhood, media attention, or positioning against Trump’s administration.
  • A: “Victimhood, if you’re a member of the grievance party, is heroism.”

• Grievance Politics, Performative Victimhood, and Reacts [(08:32)]

  • Highlights how Tucker, Candace Owens, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and others exploit “faux victimhood” for audience engagement:
    • Greene Quote (paraphrased): "They are terrified of Tucker running for president… these people are vicious and evil and will attempt to destroy anyone and everyone that reveals the truth."

2. Exploring Alternate Explanations

a) Tucker Lying for Attention or Political Gain [(09:19)]

• Ben suggests Tucker fabricates stories to play victim and pivot followers against former allies (even Trump).

b) Getting Ahead of a Story [(09:21)]

• Tucker may be preemptively spinning ahead of potentially damaging text message leaks.
• Shapiro: “Blame the CIA, impugn the administration, anything, in order to avoid the consequences of texts you know are about to break.”

c) Pattern of Conspiratorial Claims [(13:02)]

• Ben points to a recurring tactic:
  • A: “Stupid conspiracy bullshit. Rinse and repeat.”

d) Notable Quote on Tucker’s Approach [(13:25)]

• A: “This is Tucker’s shtick. Everybody except for Tucker is actually working for a foreign power. Not Tucker, apparent frequent correspondent with and sexter with the Ayatollahs.”

3. Broader Observations on Grievance Politics

• Victim Narratives:
  • Ben notes this “victimhood” strategy is common among certain right-wing influencers and media figures, including Megyn Kelly and Candace Owens.
  • A: “Faux victimhood is the name of the game in the grievance party.”

4. OSCAR Reaction & Pop Culture [(15:31)–(19:52)]

• Oscars Mocked:
  • Shapiro ridicules the Oscars as an “agit prop fest” suffering from declining ratings and political messaging.
  • Features a Conan O’Brien joke: “If that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock…”
• Virtue Signaling in Hollywood:
  • Shapiro critical of Paul Thomas Anderson’s acceptance speech, labels it as “virtue signaling.”

5. US-Iran Conflict: Military and Economic Warfare [(22:00)–(35:20)]

a) Michigan Synagogue Attack & Media Spin

• Ben highlights media’s rush to blame Israel, noting shooter’s family had Hezbollah ties.
• A: "Falsehood has become the order of the day when it comes to Middle east coverage, and Iran knows it."

b) Iranian Disinformation

• Iranian officials and Tucker allegedly amplifying conspiracy theories about Israel and Western powers.
• B (Tucker Quote, 24:02): “Hasn’t been reported. But it’s a fact that last night in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, authorities arrested Mossad agents planning on committing bombings…”

c) War Progress & Strait of Hormuz [(26:53)–(35:20)]

• US/Israel have crippled Iranian military; US bombing of Kharg Island

• Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil flows

  • G (Sec. of Energy, 30:35): “Because it’s right near the Iranian shoreline… The world is abundantly supplied with oil and energy.”

• Trump's strategy: Get nations reliant on Strait to send their own warships, lessen US burden

  • C (Trump, 32:29): “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory… We don’t need it. We have a lot of oil…”

d) Footage of Airstrikes & Trump Doctrine

• US CENTCOM footage shared of targeted bombings
• Trump promises to annihilate Iranian military power, preserving oil infrastructure but threatens to destroy if provoked.
  • Trump Statement, paraphrased: "If Iran interferes with free passage… I will immediately reconsider this decision."

6. Domestic Policy and American Strength [(43:06)–(46:21)]

• Success of US Energy Policy

  • Promotion of energy deals with Asia-Pacific allies ($56B deals), described as leaving adversaries no choice but to negotiate.
  • Doug Burgum, Sec. of the Interior, 43:30: “President Trump’s energy dominance policy is about the fact that we need to sell energy to our friends and allies so they don't have to buy from adversaries.”

• Populist Messaging & Democratic Policy Critique

  • Attacks on New York’s proposed estate tax increase and the trend of blue states driving away productive residents.
  • Contrasts with Republican-led tax cuts in states like Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On lack of evidence for CIA claim:
  • A (03:38): “We have no confirmation of this story from literally anyone. The CIA has not confirmed it… the only source for this information is Tucker Carlson.”
• On Tucker’s history of victim narratives:
  • A (08:32): “Victimhood, if you’re a member of the grievance party, is heroism.”
• On Tucker’s “foreign agent” status:
  • A (13:25): “This is Tucker’s shtick. Everybody except for Tucker is actually working for a foreign power. Not Tucker, apparent frequent correspondent with and sexter with the Ayatollahs.”
• On US strategy in the Strait of Hormuz:
  • C (32:29): “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory… We were the number one producer anywhere in the world.”
• On Iranian leadership rumors:
  • F (Bill Maher, 27:23): “They hate the infidel West. Until their dick doesn’t work… get me on the 2pm De Heathrow.”
• On American resilience:
  • A (43:06): “All of this is radically reshaping geopolitics in favor of the United States. At the same time, we are taking Iranian power Off the board…”

Important Segment Timestamps

• Tucker’s CIA claim: 02:59 – 04:19
• NSA’s past denial, surveillance context: 04:04 – 04:19
• Speculation on motives/faux victimhood: 08:32 – 09:19
• Conspiracy theories about Israel/Iran: 24:02 – 24:41
• US strategy on Strait of Hormuz: 30:35 – 33:32
• Trump’s comments on military and policy: 32:29 – 33:32, 42:28 – 43:06
• Interior Secretary energy deals: 43:30 – 44:13
• Populist tax and demography discussion: 46:04 – 46:21

Tone and Style

The episode is characteristically fast-moving, caustic, and critical, with Ben Shapiro’s signature sarcasm and contempt for what he describes as "performative victimhood" on both the left and right. He blends policy, legal context, and social commentary, often with references to pop culture and pointed ridicule of political opponents and media figures.

Summary for Non-Listeners

Ben Shapiro devotes this episode to debunking Tucker Carlson’s sensational claim of being personally targeted by the CIA for his pre-Iran-war communications. He examines the credibility of such accusations, situates them in the context of similar unproven claims, and critiques the broader political strategy of claiming victimhood for media influence and personal gain. The show then transitions to updated analysis of the US-Iran war, focusing on its military, economic, and global repercussions, as well as related shifts in political rhetoric and policy both domestically and internationally. Throughout, Shapiro applies a critical, often mocking lens to both right-wing and left-wing grievances, conspiracy narratives, and the theatre of modern politics.