Conservatives are divided after Tucker Carlson interviewed far-right antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast, where the pair criticised Republicans who support Israel. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, defended Carlson, calling him a close friend of the thinktank. This has sparked backlash from some supporters and deepened rifts over Israel and antisemitism.
On the podcast, Carlson attacked Republicans like Ted Cruz, George W. Bush, and Mike Huckabee as 'Christian Zionists' with a 'brain virus'. Fuentes, who has previously praised Hitler and claimed Jews control the US, said 'organised Jewry' holds undue influence and expressed admiration for Joseph Stalin.
Ted Cruz responded by accusing those who platform Fuentes of cowardice and complicity in evil, warning of an 'existential crisis' from rising antisemitism on the right. Recent reports revealed antisemitic comments in a young Republicans group chat and a withdrawn Trump nominee who admitted a 'Nazi streak'.
Roberts argued that Christians can criticise Israel without being antisemitic and that conservatives should not 'reflexively support any foreign government'. He condemned attempts to cancel Carlson or Fuentes, calling for debate instead. Fuentes thanked Roberts for his 'courage'.
The Republican Jewish Coalition’s CEO Matt Brooks said he was 'appalled, offended and disgusted' by Roberts’ stance. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged Heritage Foundation supporters to disavow the 'mainstreaming of hateful ideologies'. Conservative media outlets have criticised Carlson for giving Fuentes a platform without challenging his views.
