In a provocative segment on his show, ex-conservative commentator Tucker Carlson argued that the guiding ideology of the U.S. government under President Donald Trump is no longer Christianity, but what he called "Israelism."
Carlson described "Israelism" as a de facto civic religion centered on the unwavering defense of the state of Israel. He claimed it treats support for Israeli government policies as the ultimate political virtue, while viewing any criticism of Israel as a form of sin or moral failing. According to Carlson, this new orthodoxy functions as a strict litmus test that overrides traditional Christian ethics and other America First priorities.
"It's clear that Trump's religion is not Christianity; it's 'Israelism.' It's the defense of Israel," Carlson stated.
He elaborated that America's new civic religion amounts to "Christianity without the New Testament" - a faith that is "the most unforgiving of all" because it demands total loyalty to one nation-state's interests above others.
Carlson tied his remarks to recent Trump actions he viewed as mocking Christian figures, including Easter messages referencing Iran with phrases like "Praise Allah," public criticism of the Pope, and the sharing (then deletion) of memes portraying Trump in Christ-like imagery. He contrasted this with Trump's past reverence for certain Jewish religious figures, such as visits related to Rabbi Menachem Schneerson.
The commentator also linked "Israelism" to broader concerns over U.S. foreign policy, lobbying influence, the IHRA working definition of antisemitism (which he criticized as protecting perceptions of Israel), and justifications for domestic surveillance tied to pro-Palestinian protests.
