Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, Candace Owens, a prominent figure on the American right, has adopted a stance that sharply contrasts with the majority of her political counterparts. This unexpected position has placed additional pressure on the US administration.
While the administration of President Trump may have anticipated criticism from the left regarding its support for Israel, the intense pressure exerted by a segment of influential right-wing commentators and media personalities was perhaps less expected. Among these voices, Candace Owens, a conservative Christian commentator, has been particularly vocal in her criticism of Israel and US policy towards the region. She famously stated, “God will judge those who defend what Israel is doing in Gaza.”
This unconventional stance from Owens and others within the conservative movement represents a novel challenge to the American administration. Their dissent, particularly as it resonates with Trump’s base, is grounded in arguments that appeal to the religious and conservative American voter.
Owens’ critique centers on the idea that current US policy towards Israel contradicts the “Make America Great Again” slogan. Her rhetoric taps into American nationalism, emphasizing the notion that the United States consistently prioritizes Israeli interests, even when they conflict with American priorities. She challenges the assertion that the United States is dependent on Israel, highlighting the fact that the US existed and thrived long before the establishment of the State of Israel.
This perspective adds a significant layer to the ongoing debate surrounding US foreign policy in the Middle East. The impact of these dissenting voices on future political discourse remains to be seen.
