Ben Shapiro says he'd sit down with Nick Fuentes under the right conditions

Aug 12, 2026

A look at the fight inside the Republican coalition over Nick Fuentes and the young, more anti-Israel wing he represents — a warning sign for GOP unity heading into 2028.

  • Young conservatives mostly reject anti-Jewish views, but their support for Israel has dropped sharply from older generations, and they distrust foreign wars after growing up through costly conflicts and unaffordable housing.
  • Fuentes is described as smart and funny but sincere in beliefs called morally terrible, using humor as cover to avoid being pinned down.
  • Tucker Carlson is seen as quietly agreeing with Fuentes while keeping distance for business reasons, afraid Fuentes will steal his audience.
  • JD Vance is faulted for chasing the small Fuentes-Tucker crowd instead of running as a moderate, family-friendly figure who could win women and college-educated voters.

Outlook: Fuentes is expected to play a minor but divisive role in 2028, used as a weapon against a GOP that refuses to distance itself from him.

← Latest · Archive