The Right Is SPLITTING | Victor Davis Hanson Daily Brief

Is the conservative movement turning against itself?

Victor Davis Hanson warns of a growing civil war within the American right as disagreements over President Donald Trump, the war in Iran, Tucker Carlson, and the future of MAGA threaten to divide the conservative coalition.

In today's VDH Daily Brief, Victor joins Jack Fowler to examine the political legacy of Charlie Kirk, the loss of influential conservative voices, and the increasingly bitter disagreements among Republicans over American foreign policy.

Victor discusses why he believes Charlie Kirk was essential to mobilizing young conservative voters, how Tucker Carlson's changing political positions have affected the MAGA movement, and why the term "neoconservative" is being misused in debates over Trump's military strategy.

He also explains the difference between prolonged nation-building and the decisive military interventions he associates with Trump's Jacksonian foreign policy. While defending aspects of Trump's approach to Iran, Victor strongly opposes deploying American ground troops or attempting to rebuild the country through another extended occupation.

But the stakes extend beyond foreign policy.

Victor argues that conservatives are losing sight of major constitutional debates, including the Electoral College, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, Supreme Court expansion, the Senate filibuster, and potential statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Are divisions within the Republican Party putting the broader conservative movement at risk?

Watch the full discussion with Victor Davis Hanson.

Chapters
00:00 – Charlie Kirk's Legacy and the Conservative Movement
03:05 – The Loss of Rush Limbaugh and Tucker Carlson's Changing Role
05:13 – A Civil War Inside the American Right
05:30 – Trump's Iran Strategy and the Neoconservative Debate
07:54 – Why Victor Challenged the Neoconservatives
10:12 – Trump Was Never an Isolationist
11:40 – Why Conservatives Are Divided Over Iran
13:19 – The Case Against Another Endless War
14:16 – Victor Warns Against Sending Ground Troops Into Iran
15:53 – The Fight Over the Electoral College
19:14 – The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
21:10 – Could Democrats Expand the Supreme Court?
23:13 – The Future of the Senate Filibuster
24:34 – Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Statehood
25:28 – Victor's Final Warning to Conservatives

Frequently Asked Questions

*Why does Victor Davis Hanson believe the conservative movement is divided?*

Victor points to disagreements over Trump's foreign policy, particularly Iran, as well as conflicts among influential conservative commentators. He argues that these internal disputes are weakening the movement's unity.

*What does Victor Davis Hanson say about Charlie Kirk?*

Victor credits Charlie Kirk with bringing younger Americans into conservative politics, challenging established universities, and helping organize voter registration and turnout in competitive states.

Does Victor Davis Hanson support Trump's military strategy in Iran?**

Victor distinguishes Trump's approach from prolonged military occupations and nation-building. He defends decisive military action in principle but criticizes aspects of the Iran campaign and strongly opposes deploying American ground troops.

*Why does Victor criticize the term "neoconservative"?*

Victor argues that the term has a specific historical meaning and should not automatically apply to anyone who supports military intervention. He distinguishes traditional neoconservative nation-building from the limited, decisive military operations he associates with Trump.

*What does Victor say about Tucker Carlson?*

Victor describes Tucker Carlson as a once-prominent voice in the MAGA movement whose changing positions have contributed to disagreements within the conservative coalition.

*What is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?*

The compact is an agreement among participating states to award their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote once states representing at least 270 electoral votes have joined. Victor expresses concern about its implications for the Electoral College.

*Why is Victor concerned about Supreme Court expansion and the filibuster?*

Victor argues that future Democratic majorities could attempt to expand the Supreme Court, eliminate the legislative filibuster, and pursue other structural changes that he believes would shift the country's political balance.