Overview
- Newsweek maps a Republican split along two axes—populist versus institutional conservative and loyalty to Trump versus autonomy—yielding distinct factions competing for influence.
- Heritage Foundation turmoil followed Kevin Roberts’ defense of Tucker Carlson, prompting public dissent and board member Robert P. George’s resignation.
- President Trump declined to condemn Nick Fuentes and praised Carlson’s latitude to choose guests, heightening tensions over platforming extremist rhetoric.
- Vice President J.D. Vance has consolidated visibility inside the populist wing, pairing a restrained foreign-policy posture with pro–U.S. tech leadership views that expose an emerging AI regulation divide.
- A new American Thinker column urges Republicans to exclude Fuentes and his movement, citing his own calls to destroy the GOP and arguing Carlson’s interview legitimized a destructive fringe.