In a controversial segment that has ignited a fresh debate, prominent MAGA-aligned commentator Tucker Carlson has put forward a startling theory regarding US foreign policy towards Venezuela. He suggested that one of the potential reasons behind former President Donald Trump's reported order to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was to legalise gay marriage in the South American nation.
The "Globo Homo" Allegation and Venezuela's Conservative Stance
During his show, Carlson pointed out that Venezuela, under Maduro's rule, stands as one of the most socially conservative countries in the Americas. He listed a series of bans enforced in the country, including those on pornography, abortion, gay marriage, sex changes, and usury. The commentator argued that Maduro's refusal to permit homosexual marriages might have provoked US action.
"It's possible we're mad that he [Maduro] doesn’t allow gay marriage. That is a distinct possibility. But no one will say that out loud," Carlson stated. He further connected this to the US-backed opposition, claiming that the figure poised to replace Maduro is "pretty eager to get gay marriage in Venezuela."
Carlson summarised this perspective by referencing the term "globo homo," implying a global pro-gay agenda. "So those of you who thought this whole project was globo homo—not crazy, actually," he concluded, directly linking the push for Maduro's removal to forces advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Conservative Backlash and National Security Counterpoint
The claims did not go unchallenged within conservative circles. Fellow right-wing influencer Ben Shapiro swiftly responded, dismissing Carlson's theory as unfounded. Shapiro defended the Trump administration's actions, framing them purely within the context of national security and foreign policy interests.
"Well, I suppose the administration may have to explain to people like Tucker Carlson that in fact it was not ‘globo homo’ that ousted Nicolás Maduro, it was a conservative Republican president," Shapiro said. He characterised Trump as "a gutsy president who makes the calls to preserve America’s national security and her foreign interests."
Adding another layer to the discussion, Indian-origin conservative commentator and MAGA ally Dinesh D'Souza also reacted to Carlson's comments on social media platform X. He echoed Carlson's framing, writing, "The oldest living Groyper says it’s a 'distinct possibility' that Trump captured Maduro because of Maduro’s opposition to gay marriage. Wow!"
A Debate Rooted in Ideology
This exchange highlights a significant ideological rift regarding the perceived drivers of US foreign intervention. On one side, Carlson and those amplifying his view suggest that social and cultural agendas, such as the imposition of progressive values like gay marriage, can be a covert motive for geopolitical moves.
On the other side, figures like Shapiro insist on a traditional realpolitik explanation, centred on security, economics, and strategic influence, vehemently rejecting the notion of a "globo homo" conspiracy. The incident underscores how domestic culture wars in the United States are increasingly projected onto the canvas of international relations, with commentators offering starkly different narratives about the same event.
The theory also brought attention to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, whom Carlson cited as being pro-gay marriage, thereby fitting into his proposed narrative. The debate, while focused on Venezuela, reflects broader global tensions between conservative governance models and liberal social reforms often championed by Western powers.
