Andrew Klavan, prominent host and commentator for The Daily Wire, set off a wave of online outrage after brazenly suggesting that his ethnic background grants him spiritual superiority over fellow Christians.

In a recent episode, Klavan made a provocative statement: “Paul stated that we were grafted onto the tree of the Jews. You were, I wasn’t—I was born there. So technically, I outrank you all. Just kidding, but still… the God who chose the Jews became everyone’s God through Jesus Christ.”

For many in the audience, Klavan’s “joke” fell flat, seemingly placing ethnic Jewish identity above conversion or belief—an indication of the expanding overlap between American conservatism and Zionist exceptionalism. Critics were quick to highlight that such a hierarchical notion is entirely absent from the New Testament and classical Christian doctrine.

Klavan’s remarks arrive amidst a noticeable shift in the American right’s stance toward Israel and Zionism, which has evolved from balanced support to what some describe as “quasi-religious fervor.” Prioritizing Israel’s political interests has become a norm for commentators and politicians, occasionally overshadowing broader conservative and Christian values. Many on the right overlook that political Zionism was originally established by atheists and secularists, far removed from the spiritual “tree” the Apostle Paul referenced.

Christian critics responded by turning to Scripture, notably Romans 9:3, where Paul does not glorify his ethnic roots but laments Israel’s rejection of the Messiah: “For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” This passage underscores that faith and salvation in Christ cannot be outranked by birthright—directly opposing any notion of racial or ethnic superiority.

This incident reflects a larger pattern. Among many American conservatives, allegiance to Israel has morphed into a form of public virtue, superseding the Gospel’s core tenets in Christianity. Zionism, initially a secular political movement, now assumes the status of hallowed doctrine among the American right. Figures like Klavan blur the lines between religious faith and ethnic nationalism, leaving true believers and critical minds adrift.

As political allegiance to a foreign nation eclipses fundamental principles of humility and scriptural teachings, one might ponder: what remains of the conservative movement’s integrity?

This episode is symptomatic of a broader trend. For many American conservatives, support for Israel has become a matter of public piety, trumping the very Gospel at the heart of Christianity. Zionism, a movement born from secular political aims, is now treated as sacred dogma on the American right. Speakers like Klavan blur the lines between faith and ethnic nationalism—leaving genuine believers and independent thinkers behind.

As political support for a foreign state is elevated above principle, humility, and scriptural teaching, one has to ask: what, if anything, is left of the conservative movement’s soul?