Tucker Carlson’s decision to sell his new Chevrolet pickup has left many scratching their heads, but the story behind it is more unusual than expected.
Carlson, an avid fan of Chevrolet, has long been outspoken about his love for the brand, even reminiscing about his beloved 1987 Silverado, which famously lacked any modern electronics. His latest Chevy, however, was something altogether different—complete with a high-tech infotainment system.
While filling up his gas tank one day, Carlson was shocked to see a strange warning flash on his truck’s screen. It read: “Stop, we’re downloading information from the internet.”
“I couldn’t believe it,” Carlson said in an interview. “I sold the truck immediately after I saw that message. It was just too much for me to handle.”
His reaction was swift, but Carlson’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment about the video. General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet, dismissed Carlson’s claims, clarifying that the message he saw was likely a standard software update for features like navigation and music, much like how a smartphone updates itself.
Despite the company’s explanation, Carlson’s concerns resonate with many. He has repeatedly expressed unease about vehicles being too connected to the internet, even voicing his frustration over the use of dashcams in cars. According to Carlson, while technology can enhance convenience and entertainment, it also opens the door for invasion of privacy.
This incident comes at a time when reports have surfaced about automakers sharing drivers’ data with third parties, including insurance companies. A New York Times investigation revealed that companies like GM were tracking driving habits, such as braking performance, speed, and even the location of the vehicle—information that was then sold to brokers.
The rising cost of car insurance, fueled by a mix of record-high vehicle prices, an increase in accidents, and natural disasters, has added to public anxiety. Many see the sharing of personal data as another layer of concern in an already overburdened industry.
As for Carlson, his skepticism over the growing connectivity of modern cars is clear. “They want to ruin your life by handing all your data over to insurance companies,” he remarked during the interview. “The insurance industry will be the end of driving as we know it.”
Though Carlson’s claims remain controversial, the broader conversation surrounding privacy and technology in vehicles is one that many drivers are beginning to grapple with. With discussions on potential government mandates for in-car technology, such as Intelligent Speed Assistance, it’s clear that cars are becoming more connected—and more controversial—than ever before.
