Conservative commentator Candace Owens has ignited a fierce debate, finding herself at the heart of a growing controversy over how influential right-wing voices are reshaping political discourse concerning Israel. Her escalating commentary has drawn intense scrutiny from critics, Jewish organizations, and analysts who once considered parts of the conservative movement as steadfast allies.
Study Reveals Alarming Escalation in Rhetoric
A recent investigation by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) has thrown a spotlight on this worrying shift. The Jerusalem-based think tank's study, which analyzed approximately 3,000 YouTube videos, tracked Owens' language throughout 2025. Researchers noted that while her mentions of Israel were predominantly negative from the year's start, the real change was in frequency and sharpness. As the year advanced, Owens referenced Israel and Jewish topics far more often, employing increasingly severe language.
Shuki Friedman, the Director General of JPPI, issued a stark warning based on the data. "Antisemitism on the American far right is now overt and out in the open," Friedman stated. He emphasized that the findings should act as a "flashing warning light" for Israeli leadership regarding the nature of support it can anticipate from right-wing circles in the United States now and in the coming years.
Crossing a Line: Accusations of Genocide and Conspiracies
The study meticulously detailed the nature of Owens' framing. Her rhetoric, often alongside figures like Tucker Carlson, included direct comparisons between Israel and Hamas, the use of the term "genocide," accusations of deliberately targeting children, and the promotion of conspiracy theories alleging undue Israeli influence over American policy.
What set Owens apart from some peers was her consistent crossing of a clear boundary. The analysis found that over the final six months of 2025, a staggering three-quarters (75%) of her videos that mentioned Jewish people were classified as containing antisemitic content. This marks a significant escalation from her earlier commentary and has raised alarms across ideological divides.
The Broader Impact on Political Alliances
For her supporters, Owens positions her critiques as legitimate political commentary on Israel's government and actions. However, for a widening circle of critics, the concern is profound and extends beyond mere policy disagreement. They argue her language fuels harmful stereotypes and hate.
The controversy places Candace Owens at the epicenter of a complex debate intertwining media power, political realignment, and rising antisemitism. As her platform and influence continue to expand, so does the potential impact of her words. This debate underscores a pivotal moment where the traditional support base for Israel in the U.S. is being tested and reshaped by powerful voices within conservative media, signaling a challenge with no immediate end in sight.
