Tucker Carlson, the well-known right-wing podcaster, has recently found himself at odds with Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has criticized Carlson’s increasingly controversial foreign policy stances. Once a prominent figure in media circles, Carlson’s views have drawn significant attention, particularly from those within his own political sphere.

Senator Cruz has taken a firm stand against Carlson’s opinions on Israel, as well as his choice to feature white nationalist Nick Fuentes on his podcast. These contentious decisions have further fueled the tension between Cruz and Carlson, highlighting the growing divide within the Republican Party.

As Cruz eyes a potential presidential bid in 2028, he is likely to face off against Vice President JD Vance. This anticipated rivalry could spotlight the ideological split within the GOP. Carlson and Vance symbolize the party’s populist wing, advocating for an “America First” approach to foreign policy, markedly different from Cruz’s more traditional interventionist perspective.

If a primary contest between Cruz and Vance unfolds, it would underscore the clash between isolationist and interventionist ideologies within the party. Carlson’s support for Vance is almost certain, given their shared political views and Carlson’s influence in Vance’s rise in politics.

Interestingly, this political alignment is reflected in personal affiliations as well. Carlson’s son, Buckley, currently works in Vice President Vance’s press office, having previously been part of the communications team for Indiana Republican Senator Jim Banks. This move further cements the Carlson-Vance connection, suggesting a strong alliance in both professional and personal realms.

Carlson’s own son Buckley even works for Vance’s press office today, after previously working in the press shop of Indiana Republican Senator Jim Banks.

‘We have a responsibility to speak out even when it’s uncomfortable,’ Cruz told Axios in a statement in response to its reporting on Cruz’s 2028 aspirations. ‘When voices in our own movement push dangerous and misguided ideas, we can’t look the other way. I won’t hesitate to call out those who peddle destructive, vile rhetoric and threaten our principles and our future. Silence in the face of recklessness is not an option.’   

Carlson brushed off the attack from Cruz,  calling it ‘hilarious’ when asked for comment by Axios. 

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes sparked a GOP civil war, particularly in the issues of Israel and anti-semitism

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) holds a press conference at the U.S. Embassy, in Mexico City, Mexico, August 29, 2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance hosts a podcast episode of ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ following the assassination of the show’s namesake, at the White House on September 15, 2025 in Washington, DC

‘Good luck,’ Carlson told Axios when presented with the prospect of a Cruz presidential candidacy, also noting, ‘that’s my comment and heartfelt view.’

Some users on X also blasted the prospect of another presidential run by Cruz.

 Conservative commentator and former congressional candidate Robby Starbuck wrote ‘Breaking: Ted Cruz will lose the 2028 primary’, adding that ‘he has absolutely no chance against JD Vance.’

Courtney, an X user posting under the handle @crystalandqueue wrote ‘in what world does Ted Cruz think he has a semblance of a chance in a presidential primary. I don’t care if he was running against Big Bird.’

David Lane, however, noted on X that Cruz would serve a valuable role in a GOP primary: ‘He’d lose anyway, but he’d also force JD to defend Tucker’s positions. ‘I hate Christian Zionist’ won’t exactly rally the base during the general election.’

 ‘JD is good, but he’s not Trump,’ Lane added.

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes 

 Notably, Senator Cruz’s latest defenses of Israel align with his past statements and views.

When asked by Fox News’ Harris Faulkner on a Monday episode of the Faulkner Focus about any potential 2028 plans, Cruz appeared to brush off the reports of any faultlines forming between himself and members of President Donald Trump’s administration, including Vice President JD Vance. 

‘You know, reporters are going to write headlines that get clicks and get eyeballs. I have a job that is representing 31 million Texans and it is fighting every day for 31 million Texans. The wins we’re getting are historic,’ Cruz told Faulkner.

He then went on to name what he sees as the Trump team’s biggest accomplishments, including the provision in Trump’s budget bill passed this past summer to provide newborns with ‘Trump’ savings accounts upon their birth.

On the topic of foreign policy, the area in which Cruz may use to promote his more interventionist views as opposed to Carlson’s more isolationist ones, Cruz praised Trump ‘standing up for the Christians in Nigeria.’

‘When Biden turned the other way, more murders occurred,’ Cruz told Faulkner.

‘When the commander-in-chief is absent, is AWOL, bad guys do really bad things and I’m really glad we now have a strong commander-in-chief who will stand up and say we aren’t going to do nothing while you commit mass murder of Christians,’ Cruz added.