Eight College Journalists Dine with Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones at ISI-Sponsored Retreat

Florida – The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), a prominent conservative educational organization, sponsored an "exclusive retreat and dinner" in April for eight college students in Florida, which controversially included an appearance by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones alongside host Tucker Carlson. ISI President Johnny Burtka brought the student-journalists to Carlson’s home on Gasparilla Island, where a podcast featuring Jones was recorded. The event has drawn criticism from former ISI leadership regarding the organization's ideological direction.

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute, founded nearly 75 years ago, aims to promote conservative thought and principles of liberty among college students. However, under President Johnny Burtka's leadership, the organization has seen a shift towards "postliberalism" and "nationalist-populism," according to former ISI board members Christopher Long and Thomas Lynch, who resigned in protest. They cited concerns over ISI platforming figures like Carlson and Jones, arguing it deviates from the institute's traditional mission.

Alex Jones, known for founding InfoWars, is a highly controversial figure who was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation damages for falsely claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre was a hoax. He has also repeatedly asserted that the September 11 terrorist attacks were an "inside job" perpetrated by the U.S. government. His presence at an event for student journalists has raised significant questions about journalistic ethics and the vetting of speakers.

During the April 9 podcast recorded at Carlson's home, Jones reiterated his long-standing 9/11 conspiracy theory. According to the tweet, Jones stated, "I said the CIA is going to fly planes into the World Trade Centers and blame it on [Osama] Bin Laden." Carlson responded, "You called 9/11! How come you were the only one who figured this out?" Carlson has previously praised Jones, claiming he "predicted 9/11" and was "vindicated on everything."

The inclusion of Jones at the retreat shocked former ISI leaders. Chris Long, a former ISI President, remarked, "You’ve got to be kidding me," upon learning of Jones's attendance. Critics argue that exposing aspiring journalists to such figures without proper context or challenge undermines journalistic integrity and normalizes dangerous conspiracy theories. The event highlights a growing debate within conservative circles about the boundaries of acceptable discourse and the influence of figures like Carlson and Jones.