Prominent conservatives are increasingly acknowledging and condemning antisemitism within their ranks, with Senator Ted Cruz recently describing it as a “growing cancer.” This shift reflects a growing internal reckoning amid revelations of extremist rhetoric and calls for moral clarity.
In recent days, the Republican Party has faced a pivotal moment as Vice President JD Vance suggested deflecting attention from racist and antisemitic messages within conservative circles by pointing to similar issues on the left. However, this approach is being challenged by a growing number of influential figures on the right who argue that ignoring the problem is no longer tenable. They emphasize that downplaying such rhetoric risks normalizing dangerous ideologies and undermining the movement’s integrity. This internal debate has gained urgency following the exposure of vile text messages among young Republicans and other incidents highlighting extremism.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas delivered significant remarks this week, stating that he has seen antisemitism rising on the right in an unprecedented manner. At the 45th Annual Night to Honor Israel in San Antonio, Cruz called it a “poison” and urged the church to wake up to the threat, emphasizing that the issue is real and organic, not just fueled by foreign bots. He cited the oodles of antisemitic responses he receives on social media as evidence of a spreading problem. Cruz’s comments mark a stark departure from earlier dismissals and signal a willingness to confront the issue head-on.
Other conservative voices have echoed these concerns, adding depth to the narrative. Author James Lindsay referred to exposed group chats among young Republicans as the “tip of a very nasty iceberg,” while GOP strategist David Reaboi criticized the right’s tolerance for extreme elements. Filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza questioned who has legitimized such vile rhetoric, noting that the right never used to engage in such degradation. Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon warned that the right must “treat our cancer and kill it before it kills us,” highlighting the perceived urgency of addressing internal bigotry.
Daily Wire editor-in-chief Ben Shapiro, who is Jewish, expressed alarm over increasing threats from the right, noting that the origin of potential violence has become unclear. Shapiro described the environment as akin to an “Agatha Christie novel,” where he cannot discern the direction of threats amid various radical extremes. These fears were underscored by a recent arrest in Florida of a man allegedly threatening to kill Jewish conservatives, linked to baseless conspiracy theories promoted by far-right influencers. The incident illustrates how online rhetoric can escalate into real-world dangers.
The political dilemma for the GOP is highlighted by the spread of conspiracy theories, such as the claim that Israel was involved in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Figures like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson have been accused of amplifying these ideas, yet the right has been slow to address them, despite criticism from within and outside the party. This reluctance stems from a strategic calculation to avoid rocking the boat and focus on politically advantageous issues, but it risks alienating moderates and emboldening extremists. The administration’s preference to avert its gaze contrasts with growing calls for accountability.
Historically, the right has grappled with extremism, from Trump’s downplaying of the Charlottesville rally to appointments of individuals with inflammatory backgrounds. Recent examples include the withdrawal of Trump nominee Paul Ingrassia after racist comments surfaced and incidents involving GOP members at white nationalist gatherings. As conservative columnist David French predicted, dark words spoken in secret are spilling into the public square, forcing a reckoning that many had avoided. This pattern suggests that the problem is not isolated but systemic.
This growing acknowledgment signals a potential shift in the conservative movement’s approach to internal issues, with implications for its moral standing and political future. As more revelations emerge, the right may find it increasingly difficult to avert its gaze from the extremism in its ranks. The outcome of this reckoning could shape the party’s identity and its ability to appeal to a broader electorate, making it a critical moment for reflection and action.