The ongoing civil war within the American conservative movement spilled onto social media platform X this weekend, with a sharp personal attack from an unexpected quarter. Buckley Carlson, the eldest son of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and deputy press secretary for Vice President JD Vance, launched a scathing critique against prominent conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.
A Fiery Social Media Rebuke
On Saturday, Buckley Carlson took direct aim at Shapiro, co-founder of The Daily Wire, labeling him "truly repulsive." The attack was prompted by Shapiro's recent comments on the "Triggernometry" podcast, where he suggested that young Americans who cannot afford to live in the United States should consider leaving the country. "If you're a young person and you can't afford to live here, then maybe you should not live here," Shapiro stated.
In his pointed X post, Buckley Carlson expressed disbelief that Shapiro presumes to lecture on the "acceptable parameters of the 'conservative movement.'" He specifically highlighted the advice's impact on "young Americans unable to survive the economy he and his friends designed and still advocate."
Roots of the Rivalry: The Nick Fuentes Factor
This public spat is merely the latest flare-up in a simmering feud between Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson. The tension escalated into a full-blown public conflict in October after Tucker Carlson hosted controversial figure Nick Fuentes on his podcast, "The Tucker Carlson Show." Fuentes is described as a white nationalist and self-styled "proud incel."
Shapiro responded forcefully on his own show, "The Ben Shapiro Show," denouncing his fellow right-wing pundit as an "intellectual coward" and a "terrible friend." Shapiro accused Carlson of transforming into a "conspiracist and a crank and a pathological liar" following his high-profile departure from Fox News in 2023.
Broader Implications for Conservative Discourse
The exchange underscores a deep and widening ideological rift within conservative media circles. On one side are figures like Shapiro, who advocate for a more traditional, policy-focused conservatism. On the other are personalities like Tucker Carlson, who have increasingly embraced populist and controversial stances, often challenging establishment narratives.
Buckley Carlson's decision to enter the fray personally highlights how these professional disagreements have become intensely personal. As a staffer for Vice President Vance, his commentary also subtly connects internal media battles to the broader political landscape. This feud signals continued volatility and competing visions for the future direction of conservative politics in America.
