Ship of Fools (Carlson book)

Ship of Fools: How a Self-Serving Elite Is Driving America Toward Revolution

Company type	Book
Industry	Publishing
Founded	October 2, 2018 (2018-10-02)
Founder	Tucker Carlson
Products	Political nonfiction book
Parent	Simon & Schuster

Ship of Fools: How a Self-Serving Elite Is Driving America Toward Revolution is a political nonfiction work authored by television presenter Tucker Carlson. Released by Simon & Schuster on October 2, 2018, just prior to the midterm elections, the book rapidly ascended to the top position on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Synopsis

Drawing upon Plato's Republic and its allegory of the Ship of Fools, Carlson contends that an inept and self-interested elite has commandeered the American Ship of State, showing disregard for the populace’s welfare and suppressing dissent. His criticism spans both Republican figures such as Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham, as well as prominent Democratic leaders including Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton. Additionally, he targets neoconservative commentators like Bill Kristol and powerful business magnates such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Carlson attributes the erosion of the American middle class to this ruling group. Central to his analysis is the question: "What led to Trump’s victory in the 2016 election?"

Reception

The Washington Times commended the book for presenting "substantial and thought-provoking concepts with clarity, wit, and precision," highlighting how it mirrors Carlson’s television approach characterized by sharp intellect and swift articulation. President Donald Trump, whom Carlson depicts as "crude and uninformed" and "a defiant challenge to America’s elite," publicly acknowledged Carlson’s accomplishment with the book.

Marianna Raymond, who taught Carlson in first grade at La Jolla Country Day School and appears in the book as someone who was depicted weeping at her desk, was interviewed by The Washington Post in 2021. She rejected this portrayal as "the most exaggerated, unbelievable thing" she had encountered, denying ever crying at her desk or openly expressing political opinions. Raymond further clarified that she was employed as Carlson’s tutor, contradicting his assertion that he required a separate tutor.