The Feud Between Ben Shapiro and Nick Fuentes Enters Mainstream GOP Politics
The Heritage Foundation has become involved in a highly contentious dispute within the right-wing community. After Tucker Carlson gave a platform to a virulently antisemitic livestreamer, the controversy expanded beyond online spaces. What was once a long-standing feud between white supremacist Nick Fuentes and Jewish conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro—who mutually despise each other for clear reasons—has now reached mainstream political circles.
Escalation of the Conflict
Last week, Fuentes, an unrepentant antisemite known for stating that “Hitler was really fucking cool,” gained unconventional legitimacy within the conservative movement. Tucker Carlson, now a prominent podcaster after his Fox News career, invited Fuentes for a one-hour interview discussing the US government's support for Israel's war in Gaza.
Significance of Carlson's Platform
This appearance, despite its potential to remain an online incident, brought the issue to a broader audience. Carlson, who has a significant following and influence in the GOP, is known for his criticism of Israel and occasional use of antisemitic tropes. However, many of the conspiracy theories he has promoted before—such as Ukraine developing bioweapons, COVID-19 being bioengineered to leave Ashkenazi Jews immune, and infrared light reversing male infertility—failed to gain serious political traction.
Implications of Platforming Antisemitism
Giving airtime to a known antisemitic conspiracy theorist like Fuentes risks normalizing extremist views within mainstream conservative politics. This move marks a notable shift with potential consequences for political discourse.
“Hitler was really fucking cool.”
“Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host-turned-podcaster, invited Fuentes on his show for an hourlong interview about the US government’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza.”
Author’s summary: The public confrontation between Ben Shapiro and Nick Fuentes, fueled by Tucker Carlson’s platforming of Fuentes, signals a troubling mainstreaming of extremist antisemitic views within GOP politics.