Tucker Carlson’s explosive accusation that the FBI is covering up the digital footprint of Trump’s would-be assassin has ignited a fierce public battle between America’s most watched conservative voice and the federal agency already under fire for security failures.
Story Highlights
- Tucker Carlson publicly accused the FBI of lying about Thomas Crooks having “no online footprint”
- The FBI fired back, defending their investigation and refuting Carlson’s cover-up allegations
- This dispute exposes deeper concerns about federal agency transparency following Trump’s assassination attempt
- Congressional oversight continues as Secret Service and FBI face mounting pressure over security failures
Carlson Challenges FBI Narrative on Shooter Investigation
Tucker Carlson directly confronted the FBI’s official stance that Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate President Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally, had no significant online presence. The former Fox News host alleged the agency was deliberately concealing Crooks’ digital history, marking a dramatic escalation in public distrust of federal investigators. Carlson’s accusations came just days after the July 13, 2024 shooting incident that left Trump wounded and exposed catastrophic security lapses by protective agencies.
Federal Agency Defends Investigation Integrity
The FBI swiftly responded to Carlson’s allegations, issuing statements that defended their investigative methods and transparency. Agency officials maintained their original assessment that Crooks left minimal digital traces, contradicting Carlson’s claims of a systematic cover-up. This public dispute highlights the growing tension between conservative media voices and federal law enforcement agencies, particularly following high-profile incidents involving political figures. The FBI’s defensive posture suggests significant concern about public perception and credibility amid ongoing congressional investigations.
Security Failures Compound Agency Credibility Crisis
The assassination attempt exposed glaring weaknesses in Secret Service protection protocols, with a gunman positioning himself on a rooftop within 150 yards of the former president. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense congressional grilling over the security breakdown that allowed Crooks to fire multiple shots before being neutralized. These failures have amplified scrutiny of all federal agencies involved in the incident, making transparency disputes particularly damaging to public trust and institutional credibility.
Congressional oversight committees continue investigating both the security lapses and agency responses, with lawmakers demanding full accountability from protective services. The combination of operational failures and transparency questions creates a perfect storm of public skepticism about federal competence. Conservative audiences, already suspicious of government overreach and agency politicization, view these disputes as confirmation of their concerns about institutional integrity and honest communication with the American people.
There he goes again. Crackpot.https://t.co/gInhall6Nd
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 14, 2025
Political Ramifications for Trump and Conservative Movement
This controversy extends beyond mere bureaucratic disputes, touching core conservative concerns about government accountability and media’s role in challenging official narratives. Carlson’s willingness to directly confront federal agencies resonates with Trump supporters who believe the deep state actively works against conservative interests. The attempted assassination itself represents an attack on democratic processes and conservative leadership, making transparency about the investigation a matter of public trust and political legitimacy for millions of Americans.
Sources:
House Oversight Hearing on Secret Service Security Failures – Congressional Record
Tucker Carlson on Trump as Leader After Assassination Attempt – ABC3340
