The Rise of a New Label: What Is the “Woke Right”?
Over the past few days, a new political label has entered the discourse: the “Woke Right.” It’s a term now being used to describe high-profile conservatives—Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Joe Rogan—accused of adopting left-wing talking points to criticize Israel, question U.S. foreign aid, or prioritize America First nationalism over traditional GOP internationalism.
But the stakes of this new label go far beyond foreign policy. Critics say some in this group are flirting with white nationalist ideology. Supporters argue it’s simply a rebranding of principled non-interventionism and skepticism of identity politics—values long held by segments of the right.
So which is it? A genuine ideological shift? A fringe movement hijacking the spotlight? Or just another left-wing strategy to divide and discredit the conservative base?
The Accusations: Anti-Israel or Just Anti-Globalism?
At the core of the controversy is a surge in criticism of Israel’s actions, particularly surrounding Gaza and U.S. military aid. While some voices have criticized the disproportionate use of force or questioned dual loyalty among American political elites, others have pushed back hard, calling those critiques thinly veiled anti-Semitism.
Figures like Tucker Carlson have long warned against endless foreign entanglements. Joe Rogan has allowed diverse opinions on his platform. Candace Owens has openly questioned establishment narratives on war, race, and identity politics. None of this is new. But what is new is how quickly they are now being grouped under this “Woke Right” banner—accused of being crypto-leftists or racially motivated extremists.
Is There a White Nationalist Undercurrent?
Some critics argue that beneath the surface of this new movement is a simmering white identity grievance—a push to recenter whiteness in national debates about immigration, crime, and foreign policy. Others say that’s a media smear tactic designed to link legitimate criticism with bigotry.
The reality is more complicated. Yes, some anonymous accounts online absolutely push disturbing, racially charged narratives. But to conflate all skepticism of Israel or U.S. war spending with anti-Semitism or white nationalism is dishonest and dangerous. It shuts down debate. It polarizes rather than clarifies.
Divide and Conquer: Is That the Real Goal?
The timing of this infighting couldn’t be worse. With the 2024 election in full swing and America’s cultural institutions in flux, many conservatives suspect that the emergence of the “Woke Right” narrative is less about ideology and more about control. Divide the base. Alienate the populists. And ensure that only safe, donor-approved voices remain.
It’s an old strategy with a new name. And if conservatives aren’t careful, they risk falling into the trap—spending more time attacking each other than advancing shared values.
Why I Cut the Interview With Jake Lang
In a separate but related matter, I recently interviewed J6 political prisoner Jake Lang—a man with a powerful story and unshakable courage. But during our conversation, he made comments about the family of Austin Metcalf, a teenage murder victim, that I found deeply disrespectful and inappropriate.
Lang’s remarks about Austin’s grieving father crossed a line. Out of respect for the Metcalf family and the gravity of their loss, I ended the interview. Sometimes, principles must come before politics. In this polarized era, we cannot afford to lose our humanity—even in defense of a cause.
Final Thought
The “Woke Right” may be real. Or it may be a manufactured wedge. Either way, conservatives should be wary of weaponized labels, anonymous narratives, and knee-jerk purges. Debate is healthy. Division is not.
We must remain focused: restoring truth, preserving liberty, and defending those who are under attack—without losing ourselves in the process.