With Donald Trump back in the White House and wielding significant influence over the Republican majority in Congress, 2025 was poised to be a year of expansion for the MAGA movement. That trajectory was dramatically altered by the September assassination of Charlie Kirk, a key figure in the “Make America Great Again” coalition.
As 2025 draws to a close, the MAGA movement finds itself more fractured than ever. The death of Kirk ignited a dispute centered on U.S. support for Israel during its war in Gaza and the boundaries of free speech when it intersects with antisemitism.
The internal divisions were on full display at AmericaFest, the annual conservative festival Kirk founded, held this past weekend in Phoenix, Arizona. Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the youth outreach organization Kirk led, gathered approximately 30,000 attendees in his memory, but the event was marked by public disagreements and insults among prominent right-wing influencers.
Though not invited to the event, the presence of podcasters Nick Fuentes, described as antisemitic and an admirer of Hitler, and Candace Owens, known for promoting conspiracy theories, loomed large. Owens has challenged established figures within the MAGA movement with unsubstantiated claims. A recent interview conducted by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson with Fuentes sparked debate over the traditional U.S. alliance with Israel – a cornerstone of American foreign policy for decades and consistently upheld during Trump’s current term.
Carlson’s commentary and criticism of “Christian Zionists” drew sharp rebuke from Ben Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew and founder of the conservative media company The Daily Wire. Shapiro publicly criticized Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Megyn Kelly at AmericaFest, accusing Carlson of “moral imbecility” and linking Bannon to Jeffrey Epstein based on recent revelations.
The criticisms were reciprocated, highlighting a shift in the movement’s focus. Rather than solely opposing Democrats, the “woke” agenda, and globalism, the MAGA movement is increasingly consumed by internal conflict.
Owens has fueled the discord with unsubstantiated claims, including the assertion that France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, is a man, and a conspiracy theory alleging Kirk’s assassination was orchestrated by Israeli, French, and Egyptian intelligence agencies. She alleges that these agencies, along with Tyler Robinson – identified by the FBI as the sole perpetrator – had inside assistance from TPUSA employees.
Owens claims the alleged conspiracy aimed to prevent Kirk from publicly shifting his position on Palestine, potentially damaging Israel’s image among young conservatives. Kirk’s work, through podcasts and debates, had reportedly boosted Trump’s support within that demographic.
According to reports, Kirk expressed concerns to a TPUSA donor about pressure to distance himself from Carlson, who has become a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Manhattan Institute analysis found that 17% of Republicans hold “antisemitic” views, tending to be younger, male, and college-educated.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, formerly a staunch Trump ally, has also voiced criticism of Israel, labeling its actions as “genocide.” This shift reflects a growing isolationist sentiment within the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the recent division within the MAGA movement?
The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent debate over U.S. support for Israel, particularly in light of the war in Gaza, ignited the divisions. The controversy was further fueled by disagreements over the boundaries of free speech and antisemitism.
Who are the key figures involved in the internal conflict?
Key figures include Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Their public disagreements and accusations have exposed deep rifts within the movement.
What is the significance of the debate over U.S. support for Israel?
The debate represents a potential shift away from a long-standing tradition of unwavering U.S. support for Israel, a cornerstone of American foreign policy. It highlights the growing influence of isolationist sentiments within the MAGA movement and the “America First” ideology.
What will it take for the MAGA movement to reconcile its internal divisions and present a unified front moving forward?
