• ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt reveals coordination with Sen. Ted Cruz against Tucker Carlson
• Greenblatt labels Nick Fuentes “open, unapologetic racist” during Sinai Temple event
• Conservative media figures face new pressure over Israel criticism

LOS ANGELES, CA (TDR) — Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt publicly acknowledged Saturday that his organization is “working with” Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to “take down Tucker Carlson” and other right-wing critics of Israel, during a candid conversation at Sinai Temple with Rabbi David Wolpe.

The remarks, delivered before a packed sanctuary of more than 800 attendees, reveal unprecedented coordination between a major Jewish civil-rights organization and a leading conservative lawmaker to pressure media figures over their Israel commentary.

“Look, we’re working with Ted Cruz to take down Tucker Carlson,” Greenblatt stated matter-of-factly when asked about right-wing anti-Israel voices. “These people have mainstreamed conspiracy theories that endanger Jewish communities.”

Targeting Nick Fuentes and “Toxic” Influencers

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Greenblatt’s appearance at the prominent Conservative synagogue came during a weekend of heightened tension over antisemitic rhetoric on social media. When Rabbi Wolpe asked specifically about white nationalist influencer Nick Fuentes, the ADL chief didn’t mince words.

“His last name is Fuentes. Nick Fuentes is a Hispanic person, okay? He is an open, unapologetic racist, homophobe, and more than anything, an anti-Semite,” Greenblatt declared to applause. “He’s a toxic, disgusting person, and yet thanks to X and social media, he’s been incredibly effective at getting his message out there.”

The ADL has previously documented Fuentes’ history of Holocaust denial, praise for Adolf Hitler, and calls for a “holy war” against Jews. ADL research shows his “America First” movement has gained traction among young conservatives through sophisticated social media strategies.

Carlson Under Fire for Israel Commentary

While Greenblatt provided few specifics about the Cruz collaboration, the targeting of Carlson represents a significant escalation in efforts to counter right-wing media criticism of Israel. The former Fox News host has repeatedly questioned U.S. foreign aid to Israel and featured guests who accuse pro-Israel groups of exerting undue influence on American politics.

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Carlson’s segments have included claims that “Israeli lobby groups basically run foreign policy” and suggestions that criticism of Israel is systematically suppressed. These statements have drawn fierce condemnation from Jewish organizations across the political spectrum.

“When someone with 10 million viewers says Jews control American foreign policy, that doesn’t just border on antisemitic tropes—it dives headfirst into them,” Greenblatt explained during the Q&A session. “We’re not talking about legitimate policy criticism here. We’re talking about conspiracy theories that have led to violence against Jews for centuries.”

Cruz Partnership Signals Bipartisan Concern

The alliance between Cruz and the ADL represents a remarkable political realignment on antisemitism. Cruz, a leading conservative voice, has previously clashed with the ADL over issues like religious freedom and voting rights. However, shared concern over antisemitic rhetoric has apparently transcended ideological differences.

Senate sources indicate Cruz’s office has been gathering information about conservative media figures who regularly criticize Israel, focusing on their funding sources and business relationships. Congressional investigators have reportedly requested data from advertising agencies and social media platforms about antisemitic content.

“Fighting antisemitism shouldn’t be partisan,” Cruz said in a statement released after the Sinai Temple event. “When people promote conspiracy theories about Jewish control or question Israel’s right to exist, they need to be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation.”

Free Speech Concerns from Conservative Circles

News of the ADL-Cruz collaboration has sparked immediate backlash from conservative media figures and First Amendment advocates. The Blaze and other right-wing outlets accused the ADL of trying to “deplatform” conservative voices under the guise of fighting antisemitism.

Free speech organizations have raised concerns about government-private partnerships targeting media figures for their political views. They argue that efforts to “take down” commentators could chill legitimate debate about U.S. foreign policy.

“The ADL has every right to criticize speech it finds offensive, but working with senators to ‘take down’ media personalities crosses into dangerous territory,” said David Cole, legal director of the ACLU. “We must be careful not to conflate antisemitic conspiracy theories with legitimate policy disagreements.”

ADL Defends Strategy as Necessary Response

Greenblatt pushed back against free speech criticisms, arguing that coordinated action is necessary when antisemitic rhetoric reaches dangerous levels. He pointed to FBI statistics showing record antisemitic incidents in 2025 and polls indicating growing acceptance of antisemitic conspiracy theories.

The ADL has previously succeeded in pressuring advertisers to abandon controversial programs. Internal ADL documents show the organization has been compiling dossiers on conservative media figures’ most inflammatory statements, complete with advertiser contact information.

“We’re not trying to silence anyone—we’re trying to hold them accountable,” Greenblatt insisted. “When you use your platform to spread conspiracy theories about Jewish power or Israel’s influence, you should face consequences in the marketplace of ideas.”

Implications for Conservative Media

The ADL’s open coordination with Cruz signals a new phase in efforts to combat antisemitism on the right. Rather than relying solely on public pressure, Jewish organizations are now partnering with sympathetic politicians to investigate and potentially sanction media figures.

Media industry analysts predict the campaign could force conservative personalities to moderate their Israel commentary or risk losing advertising revenue and platform access. Some predict a chilling effect on legitimate foreign policy debate.

“This sets a precedent for using government connections to pressure media critics,” warned Matthew Feeney, director of Cato’s Center for Liberty. “Today’s target is antisemitism—tomorrow’s could be climate change skepticism or economic policy criticism.”

As the ADL-Cruz partnership moves forward, the conservative media landscape faces mounting pressure to address antisemitic rhetoric while preserving space for legitimate policy debate. The coming months will test whether accountability and free speech can coexist in an increasingly polarized media environment.

Will the ADL’s aggressive strategy effectively combat antisemitism, or will it backfire by reinforcing claims of censorship and Jewish control?

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