Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has sparked controversy by promoting the long-debunked chemtrails conspiracy theory on his Monday episode, claiming the U.S. government had admitted to the practice. The segment drew immediate criticism from experts, former colleagues, and social media users who called the claims scientifically unfounded and misleading.
The Chemtrails Controversy Explained
During his November 10, 2025 episode, Carlson interviewed Dane Wigington, a prominent figure in chemtrails conspiracy circles who previously claimed California's drought from 2011-2017 was government-engineered. Carlson asserted that the government has finally admitted that chemtrails are real, highlighting segments about Strange Streaks in the Sky and the U.S. military's Role in Climate Engineering.
The chemtrails theory, repeatedly debunked by scientific authorities, suggests that condensation trails left by aircraft contain chemical or biological agents used for weather control or population manipulation. Mainstream science confirms these trails are simply water vapor and ice crystals formed at high altitudes.
Immediate Backlash and Fact-Checking
Carlson's claims were quickly challenged across multiple platforms. X (formerly Twitter) applied a community note to his post clarifying that no U.S. government admission about chemtrails being real has occurred. The note served as a direct contradiction to Carlson's central assertion.
Aviation expert Justin Hart, who spent a decade in the industry, called the claims insulting to basic intelligence. He detailed the logistical impossibility of such an operation, noting it would require thousands of modified jets, special certifications, manuals, inspections, and the cooperation of tens of thousands of aviation professionals without any evidence emerging.
Expert Reactions and Former Colleagues Respond
Meteorologist Chris Martz directly addressed Carlson, clarifying that while geoengineering is a real proposed concept, it bears no relation to the alleged chemtrails theory. Martz testified before Congress in September 2025 about the distinction between legitimate climate science and conspiracy theories.
Peter J. Hasson, a former Daily Caller employee hired by Carlson during his college years, expressed disappointment, stating the earlier version of Carlson would have laughed this kind of content out of the room. The sentiment was echoed by conservative commentator Rich Lowry, who described the episode as parodic.
Even conspiracy theorist Alex Jones reportedly told Carlson to reel it in a bit according to social media posts, indicating the extremity of the claims.
Broader Implications and Public Response
The timing of Carlson's episode coincided with the end of the government shutdown, with some social media users noting the return of normal air traffic patterns. One user posted about clear skies in Dallas, Texas during the 40-day shutdown, suggesting this as evidence for the conspiracy theory.
However, aviation experts explained that reduced air traffic during shutdowns naturally leads to fewer condensation trails, providing simple meteorological explanations for the observed phenomena.
The episode highlights ongoing concerns about misinformation in media and the challenges facing scientific literacy. As climate engineering discussions become more mainstream, experts worry that conspiracy theories could hinder legitimate policy debates and public understanding of environmental science.
