What We Learned from the Ted Cruz vs. Tucker Carlson Showdown

When Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show in 2022, he was there to make amends. The Texas Republican had called the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol a “violent terrorist attack”—a statement that quickly fell out of favor as Donald Trump and his allies sought to downplay the events of that day. Under pressure from the MAGA wing and Carlson himself, Cruz publicly walked back his remarks on live television, a striking example of how much influence hardline media figures like Carlson hold over mainstream Republican politicians.

Three years later, Cruz returned to Carlson’s new network, but this time with a different objective. Now, instead of seeking forgiveness, Cruz was there to challenge Carlson, who has become a significant problem for the Trump-aligned Republican Party. Carlson has taken a strong stance against US involvement in Israeli strikes on Iran, a position that clashes with Trump’s current foreign policy direction.

During their lengthy interview, Cruz worked to portray Carlson as an isolationist, someone out of step with Republican orthodoxy, and even suggested that Carlson’s focus on Israel bordered on antisemitism—a charge Carlson strongly denied. The conversation grew heated as Carlson pressed Cruz about his support for Israel and alleged connections to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which Carlson referred to as a “foreign lobby.” Cruz countered by accusing Carlson of obsessing over Israel and implied that his line of questioning echoed antisemitic tropes.

Carlson pushed back, saying, “That does not make me an antisemite, and shame on you for suggesting otherwise.” This exchange highlighted growing unease within some conservative circles about Carlson’s commentary on Israel and Jewish issues, especially following previous controversies involving Carlson’s guests and statements.

The debate continued with Cruz referencing US government allegations that Iran had targeted Trump for assassination, trying to link a tough stance on Iran with loyalty to Trump. Carlson questioned these claims, prompting Cruz to sarcastically ask if Carlson believed other conspiracy theories like the moon landing being faked or 9/11 being an inside job.

The two also sparred over Russia. Cruz challenged Carlson to declare Vladimir Putin an enemy of the United States, but Carlson refused to make a moral judgment, stating, “I don’t want to be enemies with Russia. It doesn’t help us at all.” Cruz criticized Carlson for a previous video filmed in a Russian grocery store, which he said seemed like “a promo video for Russia.”

Carlson, in turn, mocked Cruz for his unwavering support of Israel and for failing to provide specific facts during their debate. After the interview, Cruz enthusiastically promoted clips from the show, accusing Carlson of “running interference” for Trump’s enemies and defending Russia. The Senate Republican Conference even shared portions of the interview, suggesting a coordinated GOP effort to counter Carlson’s growing influence.

This dramatic confrontation marks a significant shift from three years ago, when Republican leaders felt compelled to appease Carlson and his audience. Now, as Carlson’s views become more problematic for the party—especially regarding foreign policy and relations with Israel—Republican leaders like Cruz are openly challenging him.

Whether this strategy will succeed remains to be seen. But the Cruz-Carlson clash is a vivid illustration of the evolving power dynamics within the American right, and the ongoing struggle over who sets the party’s agenda.