Tucker Carlson’s Epstein Takedown Rattles MAGA, Splits Trump’s Base

📍 Carlson’s Attack Shakes MAGA

On the July 15 episode of The Daily Blast, host Greg Sargent spoke with historian Nicole Hemmer about the widening rift between Trump loyalists and MAGA influencers after Tucker Carlson condemned the Trump administration’s refusal to “take questions seriously” about Jeffrey Epstein’s death. Speaking at Turning Point USA, Carlson decried the lack of transparency, implicitly targeting Trump and sparking fury among conservative audiences.

“The real question is, why was Epstein doing this, on whose behalf, and where did the money come from?” Carlson said. “It’s not adequate to say anyone who asks these things is a conspiracy theorist.”

📍 Epstein Files Were MAGA’s Litmus Test

According to Hemmer, the Epstein case had long been central to MAGA’s belief system, viewed as proof of a sinister elite pedophile ring protected by the so-called “deep state.” Many in the movement had expected that Trump’s second term would expose these secrets. “There had been real energy around the Epstein files,” said Hemmer. “This was supposed to be the moment the deep state would be exposed.”

Figures like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino—once MAGA media stars and now top FBI officials—were expected to release explosive documents. But instead, they recently affirmed Epstein died by suicide, triggering backlash. Carlson’s critique hit MAGA hard because it echoed the base’s sense of betrayal.

📍 Trump’s Backlash Backfires

Trump’s efforts to downplay the controversy have only added fuel to the fire. He accused Democrats of fabricating the Epstein files and lashed out at the media, including those within MAGA circles. “Forget about this Epstein stuff already,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, blaming Democrats and defending Attorney General Pam Bondi. His message: the files were just another fake dossier.

📍 Conservative Media in Crisis

Prominent right-wing voices such as Glenn Beck and Megyn Kelly are now walking a tightrope, trying to balance loyalty to Trump with the demands of their angry followers. “Some callers on Glenn Beck’s show were on the verge of tears,” Hemmer said. “They feel betrayed.”

The division has split the movement. Some want Trump to “release everything.” Others believe Trump is letting Bondi suppress the truth. A few, like Charlie Kirk and Scott Adams, still defend Trump, blaming the system—not the man.

📍 The Bigger Betrayal

For MAGA supporters who saw the second Trump administration as a mandate to expose the deep state, this reversal is profound. “This really was the first time the conspiracy theorists were in the building,” Hemmer explained. “And now they’re coming out and saying: nothing to see here. That’s the betrayal.”

📍 A Long History of Conspiracies

Hemmer placed the current turmoil in a broader context of right-wing conspiracism stretching back to the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the John Birch Society. “There has always been a belief that elites are betraying ‘real Americans,’” she said. From civil rights to immigration, and from Bill Clinton to Barack Obama, each era produced its own variant of the “enemy within.” The Epstein case fits this historical pattern—but its betrayal stings deeper because the movement had “their people” in power.

📍 Tucker’s Play to Trump’s Right

Hemmer suggests that Tucker Carlson sees an opportunity to reposition himself to Trump’s right—just as Pat Buchanan did with Ronald Reagan. Carlson’s populist messaging, combined with flirtations with antisemitic and racist themes, signals a reemergence of the “alt-right.” She argues that Carlson is now claiming ownership of the most radicalized elements of the MAGA movement.

📍 Outlook

It remains unclear how this schism will resolve. Trump may continue asserting dominance by deflecting blame and redefining reality for his base. But as Hemmer warns, this time may be different. “There could not be a bigger betrayal,” she said. “And that is why heads are exploding all over the right right now.”

Source: Full transcript published by The New Republic.