What's happened
Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions within the US conservative movement, fueled by accusations of antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and infighting among prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Megyn Kelly. The controversy centers on debates over Israel, Charlie Kirk’s death, and the influence of far-right ideologies.
What's behind the headline?
The current intra-conservative conflict reveals a profound ideological split that threatens the unity of the movement. Carlson’s willingness to platform far-right figures like Fuentes and his comments on giving hate speech a 'soul' have alienated mainstream conservatives and sponsors, fueling accusations of antisemitism. Shapiro’s sharp rebuke of Owens and Carlson underscores a growing effort among traditional conservatives to distance themselves from extremism. This division is likely to persist, with the potential to weaken the movement’s political influence ahead of 2026 elections. The controversy also exposes how media personalities are increasingly driven by personal brand battles, which may undermine broader conservative goals. The influence of foreign actors, such as Qatar, and the role of social media in amplifying conspiracy theories will continue to shape these dynamics, possibly leading to further splintering within the GOP.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Newsmax and other conservative outlets are increasingly critical of Tucker Carlson, accusing him of spreading antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories, especially after his interview with Nick Fuentes. The New York Times highlights how Carlson’s attacks on fellow conservatives like Kelly and Shapiro reflect a broader ideological rift, with some figures attempting to distance themselves from extremism. Politico emphasizes the significance of the intra-party disputes at AmericaFest, noting that these conflicts threaten the cohesion of the MAGA movement. The coverage from the New York Times also suggests that Carlson’s recent rhetoric and associations with far-right figures are part of a larger pattern of divisiveness that could impact the GOP’s electoral prospects.
How we got here
The recent turmoil stems from a series of high-profile incidents at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest, where accusations of antisemitism and conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk’s death have fractured the conservative movement. Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes and Owens’s claims about Israeli involvement in Kirk’s murder have further inflamed tensions, leading to public disputes among key figures and sponsors withdrawing support.
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