Newsmax, a prominent right-wing media network, has openly aligned itself with Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro amidst an escalating internal conflict within the conservative MAGA movement. This deepening ideological rift, marked by accusations of antisemitism and divergent stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict, primarily involves influential figures Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. The network’s decisive stance signals a significant development in the ongoing realignment and fragmentation of conservative media.
Newsmax hosts and their guests have delivered pointed critiques against both Carlson and Owens. John Huddy, a Newsmax host and former colleague of Carlson, publicly questioned Carlson’s recent rhetoric, suggesting he was “peddling Jew hatred” and experiencing a “crisis of faith” following his departure from Fox News. The network also extensively featured Rabbi Steven Burg, who commended Shapiro’s “moral courage” in challenging right-wing antisemitism and explicitly condemned Carlson’s “just asking questions” approach, particularly regarding his interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes.
Further highlighting the divisions, a conservative Jewish civil rights group designated Carlson as its “Antisemite of the Year,” a fact prominently featured in Newsmax’s coverage. The fault lines within the conservative movement were strikingly evident at Turning Point USA’s recent AmericaFest conference. During this event, Ben Shapiro launched a scathing attack on Carlson, Owens, Megyn Kelly, and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, labeling them “grifters and frauds” and criticizing their “moral cowardice.” This confrontational speech prompted immediate rebuttals, with Carlson, Bannon, and Kelly responding from the TPUSA stage, further entrenching the internal schism.
Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a notorious Holocaust denier and leader of the “groypers,” a group known for its racist followers, proved to be a pivotal moment within the Republican Party. Carlson’s subsequent defense of providing a platform for antisemites, asserting that they “have a soul,” drew widespread condemnation. Rabbi Burg characterized this justification as “the most absurd thing in the world,” warning that such platforms endanger young people by presenting conspiracy theories as factual, thereby undermining national cohesion.
Candace Owens exacerbated the internal discord with her unsubstantiated theories concerning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of TPUSA. Owens, who once maintained a close friendship with Kirk, speculated that Israeli government agents might have been responsible for his death due to his evolving views on Gaza, and suggested potential involvement from TPUSA staffers. Despite pleas from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, to cease these conspiracy theories, Owens reiterated her claims, with Megyn Kelly, who facilitated a private meeting between the women, publicly commending Owens for “asking questions.”.jpg)
These recent controversies underscore a significant widening of fractures within the “America First” coalition, particularly intensified by the Israel-Gaza conflict. While the Republican Party has previously faced internal disagreements on various issues, including the Jeffrey Epstein files and H1-visas, the current rift concerning antisemitism and the trajectory of the MAGA movement appears more profound. Reports indicate that the Trump administration has intervened, urging prominent influencers to cease “canceling each other” over “self-defeating purity tests,” reflecting the severity of the internal discord.
Speculation abounds regarding the motivations behind Carlson’s altered rhetoric, with some suggesting a “crisis of faith” stemming from his abrupt termination from Fox News in 2023. Benjamin Anthony, a former IDF soldier, posited that Carlson, now operating in the less regulated “wild West of media” as a “YouTuber,” felt “license to say what’s on his heart,” potentially shifting blame to Rupert Murdoch and subsequently targeting Israel. Newsmax host TW Shannon and John Huddy also referenced allegations that Carlson might be influenced by external entities, specifically mentioning Qatar’s alleged financial ties and influence within Western nations.
Newsmax’s current condemnation of Carlson presents a notable irony given its aggressive pursuit of the former Fox News star just two years ago. Following Carlson’s unceremonious exit, Newsmax extensively covered the situation, mentioning his name hundreds of times and featuring numerous segments where conservative guests criticized Fox News. CEO Chris Ruddy reportedly offered Carlson a primetime show and even floated the unprecedented idea of him programming the entire channel, aiming to attract Fox News’ substantial conservative audience. This stark reversal highlights the fluid loyalties and strategic dynamics within the conservative media landscape.
