Tucker Carlson vs. Pro-Israel Republicans

In recent days, a profound division has emerged within the MAGA movement, highlighting a stark contrast between Tucker Carlson and other Trump loyalists, often labeled as “America First,” and what Nick Fuentes terms the “Israel First” Republicans. This internal conflict reflects ongoing discussions about the various alliances formed in response to complex global issues, such as the situation in Gaza.

Last week, Tucker Carlson welcomed Nick Fuentes onto his highly popular podcast. The episode attracted 17 million views on X.com and 5 million on YouTube, with many more likely tuning in through his 2.6 million Spotify followers, where he ranked as the #2 podcast last week .

In contrast, Fox News’ leading show managed only 3.7 million viewers, while the highest-rated broadcast news show, ABC’s World News Tonight, attracted an average of 7.8 million viewers .

These numbers underscore Tucker Carlson’s significant impact on the American media landscape in 2025. By featuring a controversial figure like Fuentes, who has faced frequent cancellations, Carlson’s podcast has ignited critical discussions about free speech and media representation.

https://t.co/1DKklzHFSk pic.twitter.com/ht2QMXAkp8

— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) November 3, 2025

Interestingly, during a previous interaction, Carlson had disparaged Fuentes, calling him “this child, this weird little gay kid in his basement in Chicago” while interviewing Candace Owens. However, their recent dialogue marked a notable change, as they both explicitly criticized Christian Zionists.

Tucker Carlson Takes Aim at Neocons and Christian Zionists

In a memorable exchange, Carlson had a heated discussion with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) a few months prior, but the scope of his critique expanded when he attacked the ideology underpinning Christian Zionism.

Nick Fuentes: Where does neoconservatism come from? It arises from Jewish leftists who were mugged by reality when they saw the surprise attack in the Yom Kippur war.

Tucker Carlson: Well, that’s part of it. But how do we account for figures like Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz? Most of them are self-described Christians, and I find Christian Zionism to be a heretical perspective that offends me deeply as a Christian.

For those unfamiliar, Christian Zionism is rooted in Protestant eschatological beliefs about the “rapture,” a concept developed by 19th-century Irish Calvinist John Nelson Darby. The movement is currently led by figures such as Texas minister John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel.

Understanding the Influence of Christian Zionism

To comprehend the “Israel First” faction within the Republican Party, one must grasp the significance of Christian Zionism. I recommend this insightful article from Tad Delay at Parapraxis Magazine for a deeper understanding.

This brings us back to the intense political fallout surrounding Carlson and Fuentes’ dialogue.

Nick Fuentes: No Longer Cancelled

In a comprehensive piece, Ali Breland from The Atlantic lamented, “The firewall against Nick Fuentes is crumbling,” highlighting that Carlson’s podcast provided Fuentes with unprecedented exposure.

Fuentes has stated his aim to “drag the Republican Party kicking and screaming into a reactionary future.” His influence is reflected in recent leaked chats from Young Republican leaders filled with anti-Semitic jokes reminiscent of Fuentes’ statements. Vice President J.D. Vance’s casual dismissal of these remarks as “offensive jokes” has further emboldened Fuentes.

Heritage Foundation President Defends Carlson

The situation intensified when Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, released a video on X.com last Thursday, defending Carlson from those attacking him.

Roberts’ comments drew swift backlash from bipartisan figures in support of Israel, including Senators Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell. Cruz stated at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Summit, “If you fail to speak against someone espousing hatred, you are complicit.”

McConnell remarked, “The backbone of the conservative movement is only as strong as the values it upholds.” He condemned anyone who refused to reject anti-Semitism and advocacy for tyrants.

Immediate Repercussions

The backlash from Roberts’ statement was fierce.

Republican Jewish Coalition Responds

Many in attendance, including prominent figures such as Chuck Schumer, expressed deep concern regarding Roberts’ comments. Schumer conveyed, “His remarks are profoundly troubling,” while others echoed similar sentiments.

Additionally, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham attempted to quell fears regarding Carlson, saying, “I feel good about the Republican Party and where we’re going. We’re addressing critical issues.” His remarks garnered significant attention on social media.

While some enjoyed this conversation, reactions from representatives like Randy Fine were far more aggressive. Fine declared Carlson “the most dangerous anti-Semite in America.”

Graham’s outburst drew considerable attention with hundreds of thousands tuning in, while Fine’s message reached a fraction of that audience.

Roberts Walks Back His Statements

In a subsequent interview with Dana Loesch, Roberts admitted, after some hesitation, that Carlson’s remarks on Christian Zionists were indeed “divisive.”

Furthermore, in response to Fuentes’ inquiry about his stance, Roberts issued a lengthy tweet addressing the issue.

Interestingly, not all Republican responses were negative. Conversations among conservative groups showed significant support for Roberts’ position.

Carlson expressed his surprise at the heated reactions, stating, “It’s revealing to see who stands in opposition to free speech on the right.”

Laura Loomer Critiques Roberts

In a surprising twist, Laura Loomer, another often-cancelled right-wing figure, condemned Roberts’ remarks, asserting that while free speech is vital, condemning behavior that fractures the GOP base is crucial.

With her connections to influential circles, Loomer directed her ire at the Heritage Foundation, suggesting that internal staff had influenced Roberts’ statements.

Heads must roll. Roberts’ email called for a renewed commitment against anti-Semitism and civilizational truth, leading to staff changes within the Heritage Foundation.

Confrontations Emerge

During a heated exchange, Steve Bannon confronted Loomer, challenging her characterization of criticism directed towards Israel.

Bannon emphasized, “The Israeli government has consistently misled us. We must call for accountability.”

These ongoing divisions highlight a significant ideological rift within the Republican Party, particularly around the question of prioritizing support for Israel.

Updates from Key Figures

As tensions continued, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene responded, condemning the rhetoric at the recent Republican Jewish Coalition conference and defending the “America First” agenda. Her statements underscored the growing divide among party members regarding foreign policy.

Furthermore, in an unexpected shift, Tucker Carlson publicly apologized for his earlier comments about Christian Zionists, stating that he spoke out of anger and regretted his words.

This rapidly evolving situation reflects not only internal conflicts within the GOP but also reveals the broader societal debates surrounding American foreign policy, free speech, and ideological allegiance.

As the lines are drawn within the party, it remains to be seen how this will affect the future political landscape, particularly as ongoing debates about support for Israel continue to ignite passionate discussions among party members.