Clinton and Carlson Share Stage at Doha Forum, Highlighting Unusual Cross-Ideological Platform
Former U.S. secretary of state and conservative commentator address high-profile international gathering in Qatar amid divergent geopolitical debates
At the 2025 Doha Forum in Qatar, former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and conservative media figure Tucker Carlson spoke to an international audience, underscoring the eclectic nature of the summit and the broad range of perspectives represented.
The annual forum brought together political leaders, business executives and commentators from across the ideological spectrum to discuss global governance, diplomacy, conflict resolution and international cooperation.
Clinton’s appearance focused on foreign policy and global security issues, while Carlson addressed different themes that included regional dynamics and geopolitical narratives.
Clinton engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Foreign Policy editor-in-chief Ravi Agrawal on topics including the United States’ national security strategy, relations with China and Russia, and the challenges facing Western alliances.
She emphasised the importance of strong diplomatic engagement, multilateral cooperation and sustaining core values in international affairs, reflecting her long-standing focus on global institutions and U.S. foreign policy leadership.
Her remarks were part of the broader Doha Forum agenda aimed at fostering dialogue on pressing global challenges as world powers navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Carlson’s participation drew attention for different reasons.
At the forum, he interviewed Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in a session that examined Middle East politics, U.S.–regional relations and narratives about geopolitical tensions.
Carlson also spoke about his personal impressions of the host country and engaged with critics of U.S. and Western policies, emphasising aspects of cultural exchange and commentary on media narratives.
His presence alongside figures from diverse political backgrounds highlighted the Doha Forum’s role as a platform where contrasting voices can appear on the same stage.
The presence of high-profile speakers from different ideological traditions, including Clinton, Carlson, Donald Trump Jr. and business leaders like Bill Gates, reflects a deliberate effort by the forum’s organisers to create an inclusive space for discussion across political divides.
Observers note that while some critics have questioned the optics of certain speakers attending a summit in a host country with complex regional ties, the event nonetheless illustrates how international dialogue forums continue to convene a wide array of perspectives on governance, economics and global strategy.
The forum’s sessions addressed regional security, economic cooperation and global order, signalling the continuing relevance of multilateral platforms in shaping discourse among policymakers and public intellectuals.