Why "Christ is King" Divides Conservatives

Source: nytimes.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

The New York Times article examines why the Christian phrase "Christ is King" has sparked debate in conservative circles. It starts with Senator Ted Cruz dodging a direct repetition of the phrase when pressed by congressional candidate Dennis Feitosa at a California Republican gathering, calling it a "weird online phenomenon" used hatefully. This highlights tensions between far-right figures like Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes, known for antisemitic views and promoting the phrase, and mainstream conservatives who view its recent use as weaponized against Jews. The piece is reporting now amid viral social media clips amplifying the divide.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html)

Key points

Details and context

The article frames "Christ is King" as once a straightforward Christian declaration but now a flashpoint in far-right debates. It appears routinely in posts and podcasts by MAGA influencers and young America First conservatives on platforms like X.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

Cruz's response underscores a split: nationalists embrace it as core to Christian-centered politics, while critics argue its context signals antisemitism, especially via figures like Owens (a recent convert selling related merchandise, per other reports) and Fuentes.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

The viral clip from the California event, involving Feitosa—a lesser-known candidate—illustrates how online dynamics now test politicians directly.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html)

Key quotes

“There are some using it in a hateful way,” Senator Ted Cruz said of the phrase.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

“I use Christ is King because it makes Jews angry,” Nicholas J. Fuentes wrote once on X.[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html)

Why it matters

The debate reveals deepening rifts within conservatism over Christian nationalism and antisemitism accusations. For conservatives and Christians, it raises questions about reclaiming religious language from politicized or hateful uses without diluting faith. Watch how politicians like Cruz navigate far-right challenges on social media, though outcomes remain unclear amid ongoing online clashes.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

FAQ

Q: Why did Ted Cruz hesitate to say "Christ is King"?

A: Cruz explained his hesitancy by associating the phrase with a "weird online phenomenon" where some use it hatefully. He offered a varied version instead during the exchange with Dennis Feitosa. The moment went viral with over a million views.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

Q: Who are the main promoters of "Christ is King" in far-right circles?

A: Commentators Candace Owens and Nicholas J. Fuentes, both known for antisemitic views, lead its use among America First supporters. Fuentes explicitly tied it to provoking Jews in a past X post.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html)

Q: Where is the phrase commonly used online?

A: It appears in posts, podcasts, and by MAGA influencers and young America First conservatives on platforms like X. The article notes its embedding in far-right online spaces.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

Q: What does the article say about conservatives' view of the phrase?

A: Conservatives like Ted Cruz believe it has been weaponized against Jews by certain users. This contrasts with nationalists who see it as a neutral Christian proclamation.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)

[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/style/christ-is-king-nick-fuentes-candace-owens.html?searchResultPosition=1)