Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News anchor, has sparked outrage among conservative influencers and commentators following his interview with Nick Fuentes.
Fuentes is a controversial figure known for his extreme views on race, gender, and Israel.
The discussion, which aired on Monday night, has left the internet buzzing with both support and condemnation.
Nick Fuentes: The Infamous Figure on the Right
Nick Fuentes, 27, has long been a divisive figure within conservative circles.
Known for his anti-Israel rhetoric and anti-Semitic statements, Fuentes has been labeled by many as a Neo-Nazi and Holocaust denier.
His views on race and his support for controversial ideologies have made him a polarizing character in American politics.
For example, Fuentes once compared the Holocaust to baking cookies, an offensive remark that has contributed to his notoriety.
Despite his controversial standing, Fuentes remains influential in far-right circles.
In his conversation with Carlson, Fuentes expanded on his personal journey into radicalization, which he attributes to his experiences as a young college student supporting Donald Trump in 2016.
According to Fuentes, conservative radio host Mark Levin was a key figure in shaping his views, particularly on race.
Fuentes recounted: "I listened to him every day… in high school. I was a fan. I loved his show. And I actually liked how he was kind of obnoxious and mean to his callers."
He further detailed how Levin's commentary about America becoming a "majority non-white country" influenced his thinking.
Carlson's Disdain for "Christian Zionists"
Throughout the interview, Tucker Carlson disagreed with Fuentes on several issues but found common ground in their criticism of what Carlson referred to as “Christian Zionists.”
Specifically, he lambasted conservative figures like Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz, who support a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.
Carlson explained: "How do you explain Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz. And they're a lot like that - John Bolton. I mean, I've known them all - George W. Bush, like Karl Rove... Most of them are self-described Christians.
"And then the Christian Zionists who are, well, Christian Zionists. Like, what is that? And I could just say for myself, I dislike them more than anybody."
Carlson elaborated on his criticism of Christian Zionism, labeling it as "Christian heresy" and expressed his personal offense as a Christian, stating: "Because it's Christian heresy, and I'm offended by that as a Christian."
This sentiment has caused a stir among many conservative figures, especially those who identify as Christian Zionists.
Backlash from Conservative Figures
Carlson's interview did not sit well with several prominent conservatives.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel, was quick to respond, questioning Carlson’s biblical knowledge.
On X (formerly Twitter), Huckabee wrote: "Wasn't aware that Tucker despises me. I do get that a lot from people not familiar with the Bible or history. Somehow I will survive the animosity."
Huckabee has long been a vocal advocate for Israel.
In a September speech at a pro-Israel conference, Huckabee famously likened Israel to the "wife" of the United States, emphasizing the strong and unbreakable bond between the two nations.
He stated: "If you came to my house tonight for dinner and you came in and you said, 'Oh, Mike, we like you. We really think the world of you.
"We just enjoy being with you. So excited to be here with you and have dinner with you,' but your wife, we can't stand her. We don't like her a bit. I hope she's not going to be at the table. I would say, 'Well, she will be. You won't be. Get out.' Because if you were to insult my partner, you have insulted me."
Many conservative commentators also voiced their disapproval of Carlson’s choice of guest.
Conservative activist Brandon Tatum slammed Carlson, pointing out that figures like Charlie Kirk, a staunch Christian Zionist, were now being criticized by Carlson in the same breath as Fuentes.
Tatum remarked: "Tucker is literally calling Charlie a Heretic whom he despised who also had a mind virus."
Right-wing activist Dinesh D’Souza wrote: “Plato once described the dog as friendly to its owner and hostile to strangers. Tucker is friendly to guys like Nick Fuentes and hostile to guys like Ted Cruz. Tucker poses as a dog ‘asking questions’ but we know what kind of a dog he is based on whose rear end he likes to sniff."