Conservatives are clashing after Tucker Carlson interviewed far-right antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast, where both men criticised Republicans who support Israel. The episode has deepened divisions within the right over Israel and antisemitism.
Kevin Roberts, head of the conservative Heritage Foundation, defended Carlson, calling him a close friend. The foundation, behind the Project 2025 manifesto guiding the Trump administration, faced backlash from some supporters. Roberts said Christians can critique Israel without being antisemitic and opposed cancelling Fuentes.
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 praised Hitler and claimed Jews control the US, said “organised Jewry” holds outsized influence and praised Joseph Stalin.
Ted Cruz responded, calling the interview cowardly and complicit in evil. He said antisemitism on the right has surged, calling it a poison and an existential crisis. Recent reports revealed antisemitic comments in a young Republicans group chat and a withdrawn Trump nominee with a “Nazi streak”.
Fuentes later released a video saying, “We are done with the Jewish oligarchy… the Holocaust religion and propaganda.” The Republican Jewish Coalition’s CEO said he was “appalled, offended and disgusted” by the Heritage Foundation’s stance. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called for disavowal of such hateful ideologies.
Conservative media criticised Carlson for giving Fuentes a platform without challenging his views. The Washington Free Beacon and National Review condemned Roberts’ defence, with the latter calling Fuentes a “twerp” unworthy of serious consideration.
