Gen Z casual antisemitism rising, fueled by influencers and political rhetoric

A rising strand of casual antisemitism is surfacing in U.S. political discourse, with younger audiences showing a greater tolerance for anti-Jewish tropes, according to coverage drawn from opinion columns and commentary in media outlets. The issue came to the fore at a Turning Point USA event at Virginia Tech on Wednesday night that was meant to honor the late Charlie Kirk.

During the event, a male student stood to ask Megyn Kelly whether she was concerned about the growing influence of “rich billionaire Jews” on American politics. “Did you say, ‘rich billionaire Jews’?” Kelly incredulously asked. “Yes,” the questioner replied, stating it as if the topic were normal in a public forum. The moment circulated widely and underscored how such rhetoric, once associated with fringe corners, has appeared in settings connected to young conservatives and, increasingly, in broader political discourse.

The discussion followed another high-profile reference to anti-Semitic tropes by a figure who has become a focal point for conservative media. Tucker Carlson, addressing Kirk’s memorial in Arizona, described a scene involving people in Jerusalem and suggested a connection to silencing Kirk. The remark was framed as part of a broader attack on what critics call a supposed foreign influence over U.S. policy, a claim that supporters say is mischaracterized and politically weaponized. The episode drew criticism from some quarters while drawing praise from others, illustrating how the rhetoric travels across media ecosystems and political lines.

Separating fact from rhetoric, data published by Forbes shows a more nuanced picture of donor influence on Republican candidates. The list of Donald Trump’s top donors in 2024 includes names such as Timothy Mellon, Linda McMahon, Diane Hendricks, Miriam Adelson, Kelcy Warren, and others; only one of the top 12 is Jewish, with four additional Jewish donors in the top 25. That disparity is often cited by critics of the broad claim that Jewish donors disproportionately steer U.S. policy, even as questions about funding and influence continue to surface in public debate.

Carlson has also pointed to other figures in conservative media as part of what he calls a broader push toward more aggressive foreign and security policies. He has blamed colleagues and commentators for shaping policy directions, including references to how advocacy and media messaging could influence decisions on issues such as Iran. These episodes illustrate the way sentiment around Israel and its allies is discussed in influential circles and how it can bleed into everyday political talk.

Trump’s position on Israel has been a persistent thread in contemporary politics. At the United Nations General Assembly, Trump described himself as “on the side of Israel” and said he had been “on the side of Israel really my whole life.” The president’s stance has long been framed by supporters as unwavering friendship with the Jewish state and its security concerns, even before he entered public office. Critics, however, warn that rhetoric surrounding Israel, donors, and foreign policy can become entangled with broader conspiracy theories and antisemitic tropes if not carefully contextualized.

The column that has circulated in part through Washington commentary emphasizes that American Jewry is not a monolith and argues against the premise that Jewish people act as a monolithic political bloc pursuing a singular agenda. The author notes decades of public disagreement with various Jewish organizations and individuals, and asserts that there is no single, hidden mechanism by which Jewish donors or communities coordinate political influence. In recounting his own experiences, the author argues that smearing Jews as a Fifth Column is a stereotype used by some to dismiss legitimate policy debates or to discredit those who advocate for Israel.

The piece closes with a reminder that the stigma around spreading ugly tropes about Jews persists in both digital platforms and in real-world settings, even as it becomes more normalized in some spheres of public life. The author—David Harsanyi, a senior writer at the Washington Examiner—frames the discussion as part of a wider pattern in which conspiracy theories and bigoted insinuations are increasingly given a platform, prompting calls for accountability and more careful discourse across political communities.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. X: @davidharsanyi