MAGA Infighting Erupts as Conspiracy Theories Clash

Feuds, backstabbing, and accusations of antisemitism roil the pro-Trump movement as it faces an uncertain future.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of red, white, and blue, conveying the chaotic and fractured nature of the MAGA movement as it grapples with competing ideologies and personal conflicts.The MAGA movement's internal divisions and conspiracy-fueled feuds threaten to undermine the Republican Party's unity and electoral prospects.NYC Today

The MAGA movement has been rocked by a series of feuds and infighting, with prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Joe Kent trading accusations and promoting competing conspiracy theories. The conflicts have centered around issues like the US relationship with Israel, the Iran war, and the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. As the post-Trump era approaches, the movement is splintering and revealing deep divisions over ideology and leadership.

Why it matters

The internal turmoil within the MAGA world reflects the broader tensions and instability of the pro-Trump movement as it faces an uncertain future without the former president. These feuds could shape the direction of the Republican Party and impact its electoral prospects, as the party struggles to unite its factions around a coherent message and vision.

The details

The infighting has played out across conservative media, with figures like Tucker Carlson and Mark Levin engaging in personal attacks, and Candace Owens promoting conspiracy theories about the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Former Trump administration official Joe Kent has also stoked conspiracy theories, suggesting Israel may have been involved in Kirk's death. These conflicts have spilled over into organizations like the Heritage Foundation and have drawn in other MAGA-aligned figures like Laura Loomer and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

  • In the past year or so, MAGA World has been racked with a series of cross-cutting feuds.
  • Last year, Sen. Ted Cruz and commentator Tucker Carlson got into a public dispute over Israel and the association between Carlson and white nationalist Nick Fuentes.
  • After Charlie Kirk's death in September, Candace Owens devoted hours of her show to promoting conspiracy theories about his killing, despite pleas from Kirk's widow to stop.
  • Two weeks ago, Joe Kent appeared on Tucker Carlson's show and insinuated that Israel may have been involved in Kirk's assassination.
  • Last week, Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, claimed there was a 'foreign-linked influence network' working to create 'chaos in the Republican Party'

The players

Tucker Carlson

A conservative commentator who has been at the center of several feuds within the MAGA movement, including disputes over Israel and his association with white nationalist Nick Fuentes.

Candace Owens

A conservative commentator and podcaster who has promoted conspiracy theories about the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, despite pleas from Kirk's widow to stop.

Joe Kent

A former Trump administration official who has championed conspiracy theories, including the claim that the FBI orchestrated the January 6 riot, and has suggested Israel may have been involved in Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director, who has clashed with former Trump administration official Joe Kent over Kent's promotion of conspiracy theories.

Alexis Wilkins

The girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, who recently claimed there was a 'foreign-linked influence network' working to create 'chaos in the Republican Party'.

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What they’re saying

“When one of President Trump's closest advisers, who is vocally advocating for us to not go to war with Iran and for us to rethink, at least, our relationship with the Israelis, and then he's suddenly publicly assassinated and we're not allowed to ask any questions about that, it's a data point. It's a data point that we need to look into.”

— Joe Kent, Former Trump administration official

“The goal of this operation is not to win a political argument, but to make the fractures feel permanent. To make Republicans believe their movement is over. To make soldiers feel the war isn't worth fighting.”

— Alexis Wilkins, Girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel

What’s next

As the Republican Party looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election, the infighting and competing factions within the MAGA movement could shape the party's future direction and impact its electoral prospects.

The takeaway

The internal turmoil within the MAGA world reflects the broader instability and extremism that has taken hold in the pro-Trump movement. As the former president's influence wanes, the movement is splintering, with competing conspiracy theories and personal feuds threatening to further divide the Republican Party and undermine its electoral chances.