The Right’s Nick Fuentes Problem and Tucker Carlson’s Role
Ben Shapiro’s latest podcast episode titled “Tucker Carlson Sabotages America” leaves little room for subtlety. Shapiro strongly criticizes Carlson as a “super spreader of vile ideas,” calling him a “coward,” a “terrible friend,” and a “master of gaslighting.”
In his Monday monologue, Shapiro took a bold step that many on the Right avoid: he drew a clear moral boundary and named specific individuals. According to him, the American Right is being intentionally divided by a vocal group of white identitarians centered around Nick Fuentes. This faction is being normalized and brought into mainstream conservative discourse largely through Tucker Carlson’s platform and, surprisingly, with support from institutions like the Heritage Foundation.
Shapiro’s Perspective on the Core Issue
Shapiro clarifies that the conflict is not about free speech or “cancellation.” He acknowledges Fuentes has every legal right to speak and that Tucker Carlson has the right to interview him. Despite considering Fuentes “odious and despicable,” Shapiro opposes attempts to de-platform him.
He emphasizes that free speech means freedom from government interference—not a guaranteed right to amplification or favorable treatment by leading conservative media. The crux of the matter, Shapiro argues, lies in establishing firm moral boundaries.
“Free speech, properly understood, is freedom from government coercion — not a right to be promoted, signal-boosted, and flattered by major conservative platforms.”
Summary
Ben Shapiro highlights how a divisive far-right faction led by Nick Fuentes is being mainstreamed by Tucker Carlson and some conservative institutions, urging the urgent need to draw clear moral lines within the Right.