WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch The Post-Trump Conservative Movement’s Identity Crisis
Dec 22, 2025
Dueling narratives about the future of conservatism are heating up, with Ben Shapiro advocating for ideological boundaries while Tucker Carlson argues against censorship. Vivek Ramaswamy challenges the concept of 'heritage Americans,' igniting fresh debates on what it means to be conservative. As factions emerge within the movement, the fallout includes major policy leaders leaving the Heritage Foundation, raising questions about the organization’s direction. The ramifications of these ideological battles could significantly impact the Republicans' electoral prospects.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Danger Of Tolerating Charlatans
- Ben Shapiro warned the conservative movement must exclude conspiracists and bigots to preserve its principles.
- Allowing frauds and grifters undermines conservatism and threatens its ability to stop the left from wrecking the country.
Toxic Voices Gaining Audience
- The Tucker Carlson–Nick Fuentes episode highlighted an anti‑Semitic streak gaining audible space within parts of the movement.
- Kim Strassel warned young conservatives must hear and reject this toxic strain to prevent its growth.
Border Control Versus Censorship
- 'Ideological border control' is framed as reasonable by advocates who want to exclude anti‑Semites and kooks.
- Critics like Tucker Carlson cast it as censorship, but hosts note he faces no platform limits.