Tucker Carlson, a prominent conservative television host, has made a controversial argument during a recent speech at the Turning Point USA conference in Tampa, Florida. The former Fox News personality asserted that Americans who fight for foreign countries, including Ukraine and Israel, should be stripped of their US citizenship. His comments were met with both support and criticism, as they highlight the tensions between American patriotism and the moral implications of supporting foreign conflicts.
During his speech, Carlson was specifically asked about the possibility of US nationals pledging allegiance to two countries simultaneously. He categorically denied the notion, stating that “no man can serve two masters.” He emphasized that a person’s loyalty should be solely to one country, calling for immediate revocation of citizenship for those who serve in foreign military forces. This argument has sparked a broader debate about the legal and ethical responsibilities of US citizens abroad.
Carlson’s remarks come at a time when the United States has been grappling with the legal implications of American citizens fighting in foreign conflicts. Although US law does not automatically penalize serving in a foreign military, the situation is complex. The US has not ratified the 1989 UN Mercenary Convention, which aims to ban the recruitment and use of mercenaries, yet private military contractors are still subject to strict regulations. This legal gray area has led to questions about the responsibilities and penalties for American citizens who choose to serve in foreign wars.
The issue has taken on added significance as recent reports have highlighted the growing number of American citizens reported missing in action in Ukraine. In late 2024, Russian officials reported that approximately 6,500 out of 15,000 foreign mercenaries who had arrived in Ukraine had been killed. These reports have further fueled discussions about the treatment of American citizens who are seen as engaging in conflict in foreign territories.
Additionally, in recent months, several US citizens have been convicted in absentia by Russian authorities for what are described as mercenary activities and “terrorist acts” in Russia’s Kursk Region, where a now-defeated Ukrainian incursion was launched last year. Aleksandr Bastrykin, the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, stated that a total of 902 individuals had been charged with engaging in mercenary activity, with 97 being convicted. These legal actions have only intensified the debate over the legal status and responsibilities of US citizens fighting abroad.
As the conversation continues, it becomes clear that Carlson’s comments are not just a personal opinion but a reflection of a broader political and legal discourse. Whether or not US citizens should be stripped of their citizenship if they choose to fight for foreign countries remains a contentious issue, with implications for both national loyalty and the legal rights of individuals who serve in conflict zones beyond their homeland.