Alex Jones, Candace Owens push back on Trump criticism

Right-wing media figures Alex Jones and Candace Owens publicly criticized former President Donald Trump on Thursday after he attacked them in a scathing social media post, escalating an intra-conservative feud over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The dispute centers on their vocal opposition to Trump's military campaign strategies in the region, which they argue betray his "America First" principles. The conflict intensified when Trump targeted both personalities on his Truth Social platform, prompting immediate and forceful rebuttals. Jones, the controversial host of InfoWars, stated, "He's been a chronic disappointment and I feel embarrassed I told people to go vote for him," reflecting a significant rupture with a figure he previously supported. Owens, a conservative commentator, echoed similar sentiments, framing Trump's policies as inconsistent with the non-interventionist stance many of his supporters expected. This public clash highlights deepening fractures within the MAGA movement and the broader conservative media landscape regarding America's role overseas. Analysts note that while Trump remains the dominant figure in Republican politics, influential voices on the right are increasingly willing to challenge him on specific policy grounds, particularly foreign military engagement. The exchange underscores how foreign policy, once a unifying issue, has become a point of contention that could influence voter alignment and media narratives ahead of future elections.