THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Best of the Daily Blast: Tucker Carlson’s Harsh New Takedown of Trump Fuels Fresh MAGA Fury
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Aug 13, 2025 In this discussion, historian Nicole Hemmer, known for her insightful analysis of right-wing media, breaks down Tucker Carlson’s surprising critique of Trump amidst the MAGA meltdown over Epstein's recent revelations. They dive into how Carlson's critique reveals deep fractures within the MAGA base, as key figures grapple with their past conspiracy support. Hemmer also explores the evolution of Epstein-related conspiracies and their impact on modern conservative narratives, highlighting the tension between loyalty to Trump and the unsettling truths the movement faces.
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Epstein As The Core MAGA Conspiracy
- Epstein's death became a core MAGA conspiracy linking elites to child sexual abuse and the 'deep state'.
- That emotional connection made the files the Rosetta Stone for many right-wing conspiracies.
Influencers Enter Government, Then Disappoint
- Kash Patel and Dan Bongino moved from influencer roles into FBI leadership with promises to expose Epstein files.
- Their failure to produce substantive files disappointed and enraged MAGA audiences.
How Epstein Plugged Into Preexisting Theories
- Epstein fit cleanly into existing QAnon/Pizzagate narratives, turning abstract conspiracies into a tangible case.
- His prison death supercharged beliefs that elites were covering up crimes.
