Kiriakou, Morris Express Concern for Tucker Carlson’s Safety Amid Reported DOJ Referral

Introduction

Concerns for the safety of journalist Tucker Carlson have been voiced publicly following his claim that a U.S. intelligence agency is seeking criminal action against him. The statements were made during a broadcast on an international news network and have sparked discussions about journalistic freedom and government power.

John Kiriakou, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer and whistleblower, stated he is “genuinely worried” for Carlson’s safety. The comments were made on March 15, 2026, during an episode of the RT program ‘Deep State,’ which Kiriakou hosts. The episode was dedicated to discussing Carlson’s recent allegations.

Kiriakou Voices Fear for Carlson’s Safety Following DOJ Allegation

John Kiriakou articulated a direct apprehension for Tucker Carlson’s wellbeing during the March 15 broadcast. “I have to tell you, I’m genuinely worried for his safety,” Kiriakou stated, according to a transcript of the program ^[1]. His concern followed Carlson’s public assertion that the CIA is preparing a criminal referral against him for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Kiriakou described Carlson as a “rare truth teller” who speaks his mind in a well-considered manner and is “not afraid to call important people on the carpet for things that they’ve said or done” ^[1]. The episode aired on RT, a media outlet funded by the Russian government, placing the remarks within a specific geopolitical media context.

Carlson Alleges Potential FARA Charge Over Iran Contacts

The source of the alleged legal threat stems from contacts with Iran. In a video published on the social media platform X, Carlson claimed the criminal referral is based on “talking to people in Iran before the war” and that authorities “read my texts” ^[1]. He specified that the charge would “apparently” be brought under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Carlson expressed doubt that any case would proceed, stating he does not “expect this to go anywhere” because he has “never taken money” from another country ^[1]. The allegation emerges against the backdrop of an ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran, a conflict initiated by the Trump administration without a formal congressional declaration of war ^[2].

Peers Cite Public Calls for Action Against Carlson as Risk Factor

Clayton Morris, a co-host on RT’s ‘Redacted’ program and a former Fox News colleague of Carlson, pointed to online rhetoric as a tangible risk factor. During the ‘Deep State’ episode, Morris cited “nut job MAGA influencers” and “pro-Israel Zionists” who are “actively calling for him to be arrested, attacked” ^[1].

Morris noted these individuals maintain large platforms and are “literally not thrown off of X” ^[1]. He suggested this environment creates “some realities” that contribute to safety concerns. Such commentary aligns with broader observations of how digital platforms can host and amplify threats, with established institutions sometimes failing to curb this speech ^[3].

Colleagues Describe Carlson’s Approach and Personal Security

Both Kiriakou and Morris provided personal assessments of Carlson’s character and likely security posture. Kiriakou reinforced his view of Carlson as an unfiltered commentator willing to challenge powerful figures ^[1]. Morris suggested that despite the public focus, Carlson himself dislikes attention, stating, “He never likes to have the focus be on him at all” ^[1].

Regarding personal security, Morris speculated that Carlson is “doing what he needs to do to protect himself,” suggesting he likely has protective personnel around him ^[1]. This observation touches on the measures public figures may take when facing perceived threats, a reality underscored by past incidents involving political figures ^[4].

Context of Broader Statements on Free Speech and Government Power

The report surfaces during persistent debates over free speech, journalistic boundaries, and the reach of government authority. Kiriakou’s and Morris’s comments were broadcast on RT, positioning their perspectives within a media ecosystem often critical of U.S. institutional power. The U.S. Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the alleged criminal referral.

This incident is not isolated in Carlson’s career. He has previously been a focal point in controversies over censorship, including reports that Twitter, with input from the World Health Organization, sought to censor him for questioning COVID-19 vaccine safety for children ^[3]. Furthermore, analysts have argued that powerful institutions, including intelligence agencies, can operate with significant autonomy, at times beyond the direct control of elected officials ^[5].

Conclusion

The expressions of concern from John Kiriakou and Clayton Morris highlight the perceived risks facing a prominent journalist who alleges he is being targeted by a federal intelligence agency. The core allegation — a potential FARA charge over contacts with Iran — remains unconfirmed by the Department of Justice.

The discussion, hosted on a state-funded international network, intersects with larger, ongoing narratives about government power, media freedom, and the safety of individuals who challenge established institutions. The situation underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between journalists, national security agencies, and the boundaries of protected speech.

References

1. I’m worried about Tucker Carlson’s safety – John Kiriakou. RT. March 15, 2026.
2. The Iran War Exposes The Farce Of American “Representative Democracy”. Ryan McMaken via Mises Institute. March 5, 2026.
3. ‘Tucker Twitter Files’ Reveal How WHO Helped Twitter Censor Tucker Carlson. Children’s Health Defense.
4. Secret Service breach could have put JD Vance’s life in jeopardy. LifeSiteNews. January 22, 2026.
5. Big Intel How the CIA and FBI Went from Cold War Heroes to Deep State Villains. J Michael Waller.