President Donald Trump has defended two far-right figures, white nationalist Nick Fuentes and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, despite widespread criticism from his party members.
Trump recently praised Carlson for having “said good things about me over the years” and said that Fuentes is a guest he wants to interview. However, many Republicans have condemned Trump’s comments, including the president of the Zionist Organization of America, Morton Klein.
The controversy highlights the Republican Party’s struggle with antisemitism, which has been percolating across the political spectrum. The issue is expected to be a major point of contention in the midterms, as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress.
Trump’s defense of Fuentes and Carlson runs counter to efforts by key Republicans to condemn extremism within their party. A planned gathering of pro-Israel conservative leaders is set to take place on Tuesday, where they will discuss how to combat antisemitism.
The controversy has already led to the resignation of a Heritage Foundation board member who initially refused to distance himself from Carlson. Other prominent conservatives have criticized Trump’s comments, with one activist calling them “shameful.”
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org