nick fuentes: ‘No to groypers, anti-Americanism’: Tucker Carlson faces massive backlash over Charlie Kirk’s enemy Nick Fuentes’ interview

Conservatives are fighting among themselves after far-right commentator Tucker Carlson interviewed anti-Semitic white supremacist Nick Fuentes. In the podcast, the two men introduced themselves as conservatives who support Israel. As some of Trump’s closest allies openly clash over U.S. aid to Israel and the country’s war in Gaza, a visible rift is growing over support for Israel in President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. For years, support for Israel was one of the few bipartisan issues in Washington. This consensus has eroded since Israel’s invasion of Gaza. On the political left, Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are increasingly seen as responsible for civilian deaths. On the right, some conservative voices now question the billions of dollars in US aid provided to Israel each year. Trump has continued to support Israel, but his political circle appears divided on the issue.

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Tucker Carlson’s podcast with Nick Fuentes sparks uproar

The growing divide was made public when a podcast hosted by Tucker Carlson featured far-right commentator Nick Fuentes, known for his anti-Semitic statements and praise for Adolf Hitler. During the discussion, the two talked about U.S.-Israel relations, and the label “anti-Semitism” is often applied to those who criticize Israel. When Fuentes questioned the loyalty of Jewish Americans to the United States, Carlson balked somewhat. He also mocked “Christian Zionists” by mentioning the names of Ted Cruz and George W. Bush.
“I dislike them more than anyone else because it’s Christian heresy and as a Christian I’m offended by it,” Carlson said. The speech sparked reactions. Critics accused Carlson of normalizing extremist discourse, while others defended him for hosting open political debates.

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The controversy further intensified when the Heritage Foundation, a major conservative think tank, refused to condemn Carlson or Fuentes. Instead, its chairman, Kevin Roberts, said conservatives should focus on political opponents rather than “attacking our friends on the right.”

“While anti-Semitism is wrong, conservatives do not need to always support Israel,” Roberts said. His remarks sparked criticism from within the organization, Republican senators and Jewish leaders in both parties.

GOP leading figures condemn anti-Israel shift

At the Republican Jewish Coalition conference, senior Republican figures such as Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham and Randy Fine expressed concern about the increasing anti-Israel tone in some segments of the right-wing movement. Some attendees even displayed signs that read “Tucker is not MAGA.”
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Conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro criticized both Fuentes and his supporters, known as the “Groyper” movement, who promote white and Christian nationalism. Shapiro wrote on X: “No to the idiots. No to the cowards like Tucker Carlson who normalize their garbage. No to those who defend them. No to anti-Americanism.”

Greene and Bannon challenge GOP’s Traditional Line

In response, many MAGA figures defended Carlson, including Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene accused her fellow Republicans of spreading “hateful rhetoric and lies” about her, Rep. Thomas Massie and Carlson.

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“No other country’s interests should come before our own,” Greene wrote. “When Republicans call us ‘Nazi’ or even call Tucker ‘Hitler,’ they’re doing what Democrats do; they’re trying to get us killed.” Greene, an “America First” advocate, has questioned continued U.S. funding of Israel and said the country should not be dependent on American taxpayers.

Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon also joined the debate, criticizing Israel’s territorial expansion and arguing that the United States “has never signed up” to support such policies.

Trump remains silent as dispute grows

Traditional Republicans, including Cruz and Graham, argue that Israel remains one of America’s strongest allies and deserves military and financial support. However, the “America First” side is pushing for a re-evaluation of foreign aid and a more nationalist approach.

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Despite the rising tensions, Donald Trump remained silent. Trump, once one of Israel’s strongest advocates and a strong supporter of Netanyahu, has avoided taking sides in the growing dispute. As conservative groups clash over Israel’s place in U.S. foreign policy, analysts say the debate could reshape the identity of the Republican Party and redefine what “MAGA” means heading into the next election.