8 Things to Know About Ted Cruz vs. Carlson Feud

1. Why is Ted Cruz feuding with Tucker Carlson?

Cruz has been publicly criticizing Carlson over multiple issues, most notably the podcaster's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Cruz condemned Carlson not for hosting Fuentes, but for failing to challenge his antisemitic and conspiratorial claims during the conversation. The Texas senator has also attacked Carlson's foreign policy positions, including his opposition to Trump's missile strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and his criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza. Cruz called Carlson's foreign policy views "bat-crap crazy" and accused him of spreading dangerous rhetoric.

2.What past conflicts have Cruz and Carlson had?

Their disagreements date back years, covering issues from U.S. missile strikes on Iran to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Cruz has previously accused Carlson of promoting antisemitism and undermining U.S. support for Ukraine. Carlson, in turn, has mocked Cruz for moral posturing. Their relationship has increasingly shifted from occasional disagreement to open hostility.

3. How does this feud connect to Cruz's 2028 presidential ambitions?

Political analysts see Cruz's attacks on Carlson as strategic positioning for a potential 2028 presidential bid. By challenging Carlson's isolationist views and antisemitism allegations, Cruz is carving out space as a traditional, pro-interventionist Republican. This approach allows him to appeal to powerful pro-Israel donors who supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 primary and are concerned about the GOP's shift toward isolationism. Cruz has been taking concrete steps toward a presidential run, including hitting the speaker circuit, hosting a top-ranked podcast, planning a donor retreat, and endorsing midterm candidates.

4. Who is Nick Fuentes and why does he matter in this story?

Nick Fuentes is a far-right commentator who hosts "America First" and is known for spreading antisemitic rhetoric, including Holocaust denial, and promoting Christian nationalism and white supremacy. Carlson interviewed Fuentes on "The Tucker Carlson Show" in what Cruz and others characterized as a friendly conversation without proper pushback. Cruz used harsh language to describe Fuentes, calling him "a little goose-stepping Nazi" during a speech at the Federalist Society convention. The Fuentes interview has become a flashpoint for Republicans concerned about extremist voices gaining mainstream platforms within conservative media.

5. What does this feud reveal about divisions in the Republican Party?

The Cruz-Carlson conflict highlights a fundamental split within the GOP over foreign policy and Israel. One faction, represented by Cruz, favors traditional interventionist positions and strong support for Israel, similar to the George W. Bush era. The other faction, aligned with Carlson and Vice President JD Vance, advocates for an "America First" isolationist approach that questions foreign entanglements and aid packages. These tensions are particularly acute regarding Israel policy, with Cruz stating that "voices in our own movement push dangerous and misguided ideas" that threaten Republican principles.

6. How does Vice President JD Vance fit into this picture?

Vance is widely seen as the 2028 GOP frontrunner and is a known Carlson ally, making Cruz's attacks on Carlson an indirect challenge to Vance's position. By criticizing Carlson's isolationist foreign policy views, Cruz is setting himself on a collision course with the Vice President. However, Vance has aggressively disavowed Fuentes, calling him "a total loser," which creates some distance between Vance and Carlson on this specific issue. Initial polls show Vance as a big favorite for the 2028 primary, presenting a significant obstacle for Cruz's potential candidacy.

7. What steps is Cruz taking behind the scenes to prepare for a 2028 run?

He’s traveling the conservative speaking circuit, hosting a widely listened-to podcast, and leveraging his Senate Commerce Committee chairmanship to build financial networks. Cruz is also endorsing midterm candidates to build political goodwill. Next year he plans to host a donor retreat that could further solidify a campaign foundation. These moves mirror classic pre-launch positioning for a presidential run.

8. What challenges does Cruz face in a 2028 presidential run?

Cruz confronts several significant obstacles if he pursues the presidency. The Republican primary electorate has largely moved away from interventionist foreign policy toward the "America First" isolationism championed by Carlson and Vance. Some GOP donors may hesitate to cross the Trump White House by supporting a candidate other than Vice President Vance. Cruz finished as runner-up to Trump in the 2016 GOP primary, demonstrating both his appeal and his limitations within the party. He'll need to convince Republican voters that his traditional foreign policy positions are preferable to the isolationist approach that has gained dominance in the party.