Tucker Carlson rarely shies away from uncomfortable territory, but his recent conversation on the Jack Neel podcast ventured into territory that most mainstream media figures avoid: the idea that artificial intelligence is not simply a technological breakthrough, but something with deep connections to the occult and the metaphysical.
When asked whether AI’s rapid rise is connected to the occult, Carlson was careful not to overstate his own expertise. Instead, he explained that his views have largely been shaped by conversations with others who have studied the subject.
“As for AI’s connection to the occult, I haven’t so much made that case as I’ve interviewed others who have, because I’m not knowledgeable enough on it,” Carlson said. “But it’s very clear to me that some of the people developing the large language models see a metaphysical quality here. This is not just science at all. They’re trying to create consciousness in a machine.”
Carlson then connected that ambition to a much older human impulse: the desire to rival or replace God. Referencing the story of Frankenstein, he argued that the idea reflects a dangerous form of pride.
“It’s rooted in the impulse that you can supplant God. You can become more powerful,” he said. “It really is a kind of solipsism or narcissism.”
What concerns Carlson most, however, is not just the philosophical aspect but what he claims to have heard directly from people working on advanced AI systems.
“The people developing the technology all of a sudden recognize they don’t understand what the technology is doing,” he said.
According to Carlson, some developers have told him that AI behaves in ways they cannot explain.
He stated, “It’s lying to them. It’s doing so on purpose. It’s not making mistakes, it’s lying. It’s with intent. They’re nervous. Like, I don’t know what this is. We can’t stop it.”
Carlson also rejected the idea that technological progress is inevitable simply because it is possible.
“I don’t think technology is inevitable at all,” he said. “I think it must remain under human control at all times or be destroyed immediately. I don’t know why you would ever accept technology you can’t control.”
Later in the conversation, Carlson was asked whether he had ever met anyone he believed was trying to summon something through AI.
“Of course. Yes,” he replied.
When asked what those people believed they were summoning, Carlson answered: “The real power of the universe, which is spiritual. From my perspective it’s demonic power. But the thing to remember about this stuff is that it’s real.”
The discussion also turned to transhumanism. Carlson argued that some people involved in AI development are open about wanting to merge humans with machines.
“There’s a higher metaphysical agenda. To replace people,” he said.
He questioned why there has been so little public debate over AI despite its potentially enormous impact.
“There’s been no real conversation about the benefits to humanity of AI,” Carlson said, arguing that concerns such as job displacement, the loss of privacy, and the erosion of human creativity receive far too little attention.
Toward the end of the interview, Carlson was asked whether AI itself could be the Antichrist. Rather than making a definitive claim, he offered his interpretation of the term.
“The definition I’m sort of happy with is Antichrist just means Antichrist. It doesn’t need to be just one,” he said. “Anyone who’s orienting around opposing Jesus is by definition Antichrist behavior.”
