Back in July 2023, before Israel became a major issue in MAGA 2.0 and the Trump presidency, Tucker Carlson spoke at a Turning Point USA event. At that time, it was still seen as acceptable for him to be there.
During his speech, Carlson posed a question to the audience: “What are the crimes that are punished?” He answered, saying they were “thought crimes.” Things like having the “wrong” beliefs or using unapproved words, which, interestingly, he claimed were always true.
He continued by asking, “How do you know what’s true?” This leads into a deeper inquiry about who these “thought criminals” are and what they actually express.
Fast forward, and Carlson has become the very thought criminal he alluded to over two years ago, perhaps committing a significant offense in America by speaking truths that others choose to ignore.
At the time of his address, events like Oct. 7 hadn’t unfolded, Charlie Kirk was still leading TPUSA, and Carlson hadn’t yet joined Trump on the campaign trail.
Fast forward to January 2025, and Trump — backed by Carlson and a range of independent thinkers, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Marjorie Taylor Greene — found himself back in the White House, holding a unique opportunity to address the pressing issues in America.
This feels like a distant memory of what could have been in this new Trump term.
The original MAGA seems to be fading. Carlson, Greene, and others have been marginalized for their views on one controversial subject: Israel.
The new MAGA, which Greene characterizes as “Make Israel Great Again (MIGA),” includes some never-Trumpers who now belittle Carlson or demand he be canceled, alongside figures like Ben Shapiro and Lindsey Graham.
Graham has made inflammatory comments suggesting military action against protesters and demonstrated strong opinions about Gaza while managing to balance personal leisure and war rhetoric.
After the events on October 7, I cautioned against escalating tensions, despite many leaders framing it as a turning point similar to 9/11.
It was evident then that Israel intended to exert force on the region, but saying so invited strong backlash.
Over the past two and a half years, the mantra of “the right to defend itself” has led to disastrous outcomes for many civilians, with massive casualties reported in Gaza.
MAGA supporters appreciate Trump for his willingness to address uncomfortable truths. Back in October 2019, he openly criticized U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
His words were spot on; it’s alarming how the current MAGA faction seems to embrace a more warlike stance, eagerly calling for regime change in Iran.
If the upcoming midterms reveal challenges for the Republicans, the difficulty in separating U.S. policy from Israel’s stance will likely be a contributing factor.
Remarkably, discussing this perspective is often seen as taboo in media circles. It’s clear that expressing honesty has become a risky endeavor.
Since the conflict in Gaza reignited, many have faced backlash for their viewpoints, similar to the cancel culture that once seemed characteristic of the left.
It’s unsettling just to acknowledge these changes.
When Joe Kent attributed America’s involvement in Iran to “Israel and its powerful American Lobby” in his resignation letter, he faced accusations of antisemitism. Such a reaction can be humiliating and untenable.
Meanwhile, working-class Americans are left questioning their futures amid rising costs and social issues that seem to go unaddressed.
We face a troubling reality with skyrocketing addiction rates and statistics suggesting a rise in online adult entertainment, further complicating our societal challenges.
Our economic situation continues to deteriorate as fiscal policies lead to inflation, affecting everyday lives while offering seemingly inadequate solutions.
Mr. President, our issues are much more domestic than foreign. True fans of your agenda recall a campaign rooted in peace.
Trump himself has pointed out the negative impact of unnecessary wars; he certainly must recognize the detrimental effects of a conflict with Iran on the American populace.
If calling attention to this situation counts as a crime, then perhaps the least damaging option would be to declare a “victory” and bring the troops home.
