Shapiro, Newsmax Target Tucker Carlson

Newsmax’s recent decision to align with Ben Shapiro against Tucker Carlson has exposed a deepening ideological rift within the MAGA movement, raising significant concerns over conservative unity. The feud centers on accusations of antisemitism leveled against Carlson, a stance that has solidified Newsmax’s support for Shapiro’s pro-Israel views. This internal conflict, which played out publicly at events like AmericaFest, has forced the Trump administration to issue calls for unity, even as the ideological battle lines continue to polarize key figures and their respective audiences.

Story Highlights

Newsmax accuses Tucker Carlson of antisemitism, backs Ben Shapiro.
Shapiro labels Carlson and others as “grifters” at AmericaFest.
MAGA infighting intensifies over Israel and antisemitism accusations.
Trump administration calls for unity amid internal conservative conflicts.

Newsmax’s Shift in Allegiance

Newsmax, once a platform that courted Tucker Carlson after his exit from Fox News in 2023, now openly criticizes him, siding with Ben Shapiro in a highly publicized internal MAGA conflict. During a segment with John Huddy, Carlson was accused of harboring antisemitic views and undergoing a “crisis of faith.” This marks a significant shift in Newsmax’s positioning, previously supportive of Carlson’s independent ventures.

Shapiro’s scathing speech at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest laid bare the divisions within the conservative movement. He condemned Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon as “grifters and frauds” for associating with extremist figures like Nick Fuentes. This rhetoric aligns with Newsmax’s recent stance, further solidifying the network’s support for Shapiro’s pro-Israel views.

‘What happened to Tucker?’: Newsmax takes Ben Shapiro’s side in the MAGA civil war https://t.co/ZanMd3dNOJ pic.twitter.com/Aa8RnG6NNC

— The Independent (@Independent) December 26, 2025

Trump Administration Calls for Unity

Amidst this escalating feud, the Trump administration has urged conservative influencers to cease infighting. The administration’s calls for unity are intended to stabilize the movement as the new government takes shape. However, the growing divide over Israel and accusations of antisemitism continue to polarize key figures and their audiences.

The tensions were evident at AmericaFest, where Shapiro’s staunch rhetoric contrasted sharply with Carlson’s defense of free speech, even for those with controversial views. The event highlighted the ideological battle lines being drawn within the MAGA sphere, with Shapiro warning of conservatism’s potential demise without clear delineations between acceptable and extremist beliefs.

Long-Term Implications for Conservatism

The ongoing conflict poses risks of further fracturing the conservative movement. As Shapiro and Newsmax take a decisive stand against figures like Carlson, the potential for a split along pro- and anti-Israel lines looms large. This internal discord could weaken the movement’s cohesion, particularly as it faces external challenges and seeks to consolidate power under the new administration.

While the immediate impact boosts visibility for both Newsmax and Shapiro, it risks alienating segments of the conservative base loyal to Carlson’s brand of populism. As these debates rage on, the conversation around free speech and its limits within conservatism continues to evolve, setting precedents for future ideological conflicts.

Watch the report: MAGA Civil War Erupts at Turning Point USA as Conservatives Turn on Each Other