The Right’s Nick Fuentes Problem — and Tucker Carlson’s Role in Mainstreaming It – The American Spectator

The Right’s Nick Fuentes Problem — and Tucker Carlson’s Role in Mainstreaming It

Ben Shapiro’s recent podcast episode, titled “Tucker Carlson Sabotages America,” sparked intense debate within conservative circles. The title itself, and the episode that follows, leave little room for ambiguity.

“Shapiro characterizes Carlson as a super spreader of vile ideas, a coward, a terrible friend, and a master of gaslighting.”

In his Monday monologue, Shapiro took a bold step that many right-wing commentators have avoided: he clearly identified names and moral boundaries. He argued that a small but vocal group of white identitarians surrounding Nick Fuentes is fracturing the American Right — and that this faction is being normalized and even defended by influential voices such as Tucker Carlson and, surprisingly, by institutions like the Heritage Foundation.

Not About Free Speech

Shapiro was explicit about what this dispute is not. It is not a battle over free speech or cancellation. He emphasized that Fuentes has the full legal right to express his views, and Carlson has the same right to host him. However, Shapiro maintained that he personally opposes de-platforming Fuentes, despite finding his beliefs “odious and despicable.”

“Free speech, properly understood, is freedom from government coercion — not a right to be promoted, signal-boosted, and flattered by major conservative platforms.”

For Shapiro, the real issue is moral clarity within the conservative movement: deciding what values should define the Right and refusing to align with those who corrupt them for ideological gain.

Author’s Summary

Ben Shapiro’s critique of Tucker Carlson frames a deeper conservative rift, challenging how far moral boundaries should bend to accommodate extremist voices.

The American Spectator — 2025-11-06