Israeli Influence Roils The American Right: Israel First V. America First; Tucker Carlson V. Ted Cruz

A major controversy has erupted on the American right following Tucker Carlson's recent two-hour podcast interview with Nick Fuentes, a right-wing activist known for his America First anti-Israel views and white-nationalist ideology.

The debate recently intensified when Kevin Roberts, president of the influential conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, defended Carlson, stating that conservatives should focus on the left rather than attack allies on the right, and that supporting Israel is not a requirement for conservatives.

This defense sparked immediate backlash from pro-Israel neoconservatives, Heritage staffers, Republican senators, and Jewish leaders, including RJC CEO Matt Brooks, who called the remarks "appalled, offended and disgusted."

The controversy has exposed divisions within the conservative movement over free speech, antisemitism, and the boundaries of acceptable discourse, with prominent figures like Ted Cruz condemning the interview and calling for de-platforming and 'canceling' people like Fuentes. While majority and growing number of young conservatives call for open debate and opposition to Israeli influence on American foreign policy.

The interview featured Fuentes expressing views that include criticism of "organized Jewry in America" and praise for Joseph Stalin. While Carlson disagreed with Fuentes' claim that Jewish loyalty to the U.S. is suspect, he also praised Fuentes multiple times and criticized "Christian Zionists" like Ted Cruz and George W. Bush, calling their beliefs a "brain virus."

The conversation has been widely condemned by Jewish neoconservative commentators, including Mark Levin, who criticized the amplification of anti-Israel rhetoric for clicks and controversy. The interview has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over whether the conservative movement should tolerate or distance itself from figures with overtly anti-Israel views.

Roberts' defense of Carlson, in a video posted on October 30, denied that the Heritage Foundation was distancing itself from the former Fox News host, calling the idea a "false narrative." Roberts argued that while antisemitism is wrong, conservatives do not need to always support Israel, and that canceling figures like Fuentes is not the answer—instead, ideas should be challenged through debate.

This stance drew sharp rebuke from within the organization, with Heritage researcher Preston Brashers posting a "NAZIS ARE BAD" meme and stating he was prepared to resign over the issue. Roberts later issued a statement condemning Fuentes' "vicious antisemitic ideology" and Holocaust denial, but the initial defense had already fueled a significant internal and external rift.

The backlash has been swift and broad. Ted Cruz, speaking at the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Leadership Summit in Las Vegas on October 30, 2025 in Las Vegas, stated that he has seen more antisemitism on the right in the past six months than in his entire life, and accused Carlson of being complicit by not confronting Fuentes' views.

RJC CEO Matt Brooks echoed this sentiment, calling the defense of Carlson "appalled, offended and disgusted." Other prominent conservative voices, including Levin, have criticized the trend of giving platform to provocateurs, arguing it undermines the movement’s moral authority and electoral viability.

During his own speech at the RJC, Jewish supremacist Randy Fine branded Carlson as “the most dangerous antisemite in America,” warning that “a dark force is rising” and calling Carlson the leader of a modern-day Hitler Youth. He claims Carlson has no place inside the MAGA movement because of his criticism of Israel.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the growing influence of figures like Candace Owens, whose popularity among young conservatives has surged amid increasing skepticism toward U.S. support for Israel.

The incident reflects a larger ideological struggle within the Republican Party and the conservative movement. As the Trump administration continues to crack down on alleged antisemitism on college campuses, critics argue that the administration conflates criticism of Israel's actions with antisemitism.

Growing number of conservatives have started questioning America's costly support for Israel which has cost American in blood and treasure fighting wars in the Middle East on behalf of the Jewish nation. This support, critics argue, is only possible because of the undue influence of Jewish lobby and groups like AIPAC.

The debate over the Fuentes interview has become a litmus test for the movement’s future direction—whether it will prioritize free speech and a broad coalition that includes all important voices or enforce stricter boundaries against criticisms of Israeli influence.

Rabid pro-Israel voices like Josh Hammer, Fine and Levin have also been called out by critics for their vile rhetoric inciting violence against America First voices like Carlson and Owens.