Research/Study
Fox News uses the end of Title 42 to spread “great replacement” theory rhetoric
The Great Replacement Theory was a staple of Tucker Carlson's Fox show – and has inspired multiple mass shooters
Published
In the weeks leading up to the end of Title 42, Fox News predictably reacted with fearmongering, xenophobia, renewed calls to close the border, and evocation of the “great replacement” theory.
The Trump-era policy that expelled migrants from the United States and effectively shut down the asylum system under the guise of containing the spread of COVID-19, came to an end on May 12. Public health experts had long rejected the idea that migrants were a major factor in the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. and had repeatedly called for the end of Title 42.
Fox is notorious for pushing the white supremacist “great replacement” lie, which warns there is a conspiracy facilitated by those in power to intentionally “replace” white citizens with nonwhite immigrants, ultimately threatening “the political power and culture of white people.” The vile, baseless lie has fueled a number of mass shootings.
Before his Fox show was canceled, Tucker Carlson had led the charge to push the “great replacement” conspiracy theory. Fox Corp chief Lachlan Murdoch gave Carlson the green light to continue; this research shows how people across Fox are still following Carlson's example.
Here is a list of examples of Fox personalities and guests – both on the “news” side and “opinion” side – recently spreading “great replacement” theory rhetoric.