Cenk Uygur Tries to Rewrite the Dictionary By Arguing Antisemite ‘Often Means a Very Moral and Kind Person’

Cenk Uygur has stepped in it yet again. If there is one notable signifier of how pervasive the political divisions are in our culture, it might be antisemitism. In a relatively short period, that trait in certain demographics has moved from being an attack point to now a concept to boast about.

And here is Cenk shoving things further along.

It was not more than five years ago, during the first term of President Trump, when antisemitism was a knee-jerk accusation. It was hurled at the president freely (despite his allegiance to Israel, to say nothing of his immediate family having Jewish members). Even notable Jewish figures like Ben Shapiro could idiotically find themselves affixed with that label.

But in a brief period of time, the Joe Biden term saw things flip entirely. Once the Israel-Hamas war broke out, strident anti-Jewish stances became acceptable on college campuses, and then elsewhere. Harassing Jewish students, lashing out at their cultural influences, and speakers calling for the eradication of Jews became acceptable.

In short order, antisemitism moved from being a disqualifying quality to a debatable position, to being accepted, to being boldly announced, to today being something to embrace. This evolution is seen with those who just years ago were the accusers.

Cenk Uygur is now attempting to move the goalposts even more. That this effort from the aging Young Turks host would go sideways was probably inevitable. The fact of this springing forth from him commenting on the rapper Macklemore is all the more mirthful. Seriously, with that as a starting point, you are destined to only travel in a subterranean direction.

The “singer” made headlines with a recent concert performance where he was heralding the greatness of Palestine and then said, “f**k America!”. It is ever a joy to watch those praising a region where they would be scorned and even attacked, while condemning the country granting them the right and the safety to spew their ignorance. Yes, the U.S. sucks, he says, while on stage in…Seattle.

In response to a post by Variety on the concert appearance, Cenk Uygur launched into a screed on antisemitism – when that term was not even brought up. From there, he just sped off, two feet on the gas pedal with no regard for downshifting. It is a marvel.

He first declares that “antisemitism” has no meaning. Then, with the very next sentence, he declares that it has a meaning. (Oh…kay…) Cenk goes on to describe antisemitism as a moral and kind descriptor, and seriously, as he rolls on, by then all we can do is question what prescription he is on.

It’s official – the word antisemite doesn’t mean anything anymore. In fact, it more often means a very moral and kind person now. Because groups pretending be for Jewish-Americans, but who are actually Zionist thugs, use it on people who just say “Free Palestine.”

They’re… https://t.co/royT4iZ0Zd

— Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) September 7, 2026

He disqualifies himself as the authority on definitions, as he goes on to mischaracterize Zionism, fascism, and genocide. You’ll pardon me if I do not subscribe to the Cenk Uygur stylebook.

It is clear what his attempt is here, as he has come to grips with the fact that some on his side have been shown to be not only prone to antisemitism, but also boldly proud of it. So the only thing left to do is recalibrate what it might mean to lessen the blow.

That a man who is a subpar Daniel Webster undertakes this task means it is destined to be ill-defined. The lesson that Cenk Uygur should take from this wheels-up-in-a-ditch attempt: Try to refrain from commenting on anything involving Macklemore.

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!