In a dramatic escalation of tensions between two prominent MAGA figures, Fox News host Mark Levin launched an extraordinary on-air attack against his former colleague Tucker Carlson, labelling him a 'little b******' and a 'Nazi promoter'.
The explosive radio confrontation
The 68-year-old Levin used his Friday radio programme, The Mark Levin Show, to vent his fury at Carlson after receiving what he described as an inflammatory text message from the 56-year-old former Fox News presenter that morning.
Levin revealed to listeners that Carlson had proposed a debate at an upcoming Turning Point USA event in Scottsdale this December. According to Levin, Carlson's message stated: "Good morning. The leadership at Turning Point has asked me to debate you at their event in Scottsdale in December. I'm happy to do it and I hope you'll agree as well."
Carlson's text continued: "Beyond the personal insults, which I will try and keep to a minimum, there are real and important ideological differences between us, and I think the country would benefit from an extended conversation about them."
Levin's blistering response
Levin responded with outright rejection, telling Carlson he would "rather debate a skunk" than engage with him. The Fox News host then launched into a fierce criticism of Carlson's decision to platform controversial guests on his podcast, specifically mentioning white nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.
Reading his response text verbatim on air, Levin declared: "I want nothing to do with you, what you've become — your vile libels against my faith, millions of Christians, and in my view, what you seek do to our country. There's nothing to debate. You're a Nazi promoter. You're the modern day David Duke."
The reference to David Duke specifically invoked the former Klu Klux Klan leader and Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives known for promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
Carlson's counter-attack and escalating feud
According to Levin, Carlson hit back with: "For the record, I'm strongly anti-Nazi… but that's hardly the point. This seems like the perfect opportunity to rebut what you consider evil ideas, and to do it to my face like a man."
Carlson's response challenged Levin directly: "I think you'd jump at the chance, assuming you believe your positions are defensible. I'm offering the marketplace of ideas you often talk about, is it possible you can't really defend, for example, what Israel has done to civilians in Gaza?"
This exchange highlights the central ideological rift between the two former friends, which erupted earlier this year over their contrasting positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Levin maintains a staunchly pro-Israel stance while Carlson has appeared to express sympathy with Hamas.
The radio host spent nearly two hours raging against Carlson and Fuentes, whom he repeatedly condemned during the broadcast. Levin argued that the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, would have been sickened by Carlson's choice of guests.
Background of the feuding commentators
Both men represent influential but diverging wings of conservative media in America. Trump loyalist Levin hosts Life, Liberty & Levin on Fox News and previously worked in President Ronald Reagan's administration. He currently serves on the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a position to which Trump appointed him.
Carlson rose to fame presenting Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News until the network cancelled his show in April 2023. Since then, he launched The Tucker Carlson Show, where he has expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and promoted various conspiracy theories concerning COVID-19 and the January 6 Capitol attack.
Interestingly, Levin himself has peddled conspiracy theories, including the notion that Obama loyalists waged a 'Deep State' coup against Trump by launching investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.
This very public falling-out between two of America's most prominent conservative voices signals deepening divisions within right-wing media over foreign policy and the boundaries of acceptable discourse, particularly regarding the ongoing Middle East conflict.
