Bassem Youssef and Cenk Uygur on Israel's grip on US politics and media

May 25, 2026

Cenk Uygur and Bassem Youssef argue that Israel just bought a Kentucky House seat and that mainstream US media will lie about it — a dark take aimed at Americans who think they live in a free country.

  • They claim AIPAC money decided the Kentucky 4th district special election, and that Republicans plus many Democrats will keep funneling US tax money to Israel.
  • Anyone who objects gets smeared as antisemitic, fired, or pushed out — a pattern Youssef says feels familiar to people raised under Middle East propaganda.
  • Cenk says he was sold the American dream and feels betrayed: people fled regimes to come here only to find the US controlled by another foreign government.
  • They predict that if Netanyahu is replaced by Naftali Bennett, US media will pretend Israel has reformed even though Bennett holds the same hardline views and is threatening NATO member Turkey.
  • They praise Jewish Americans like David Speak, Gideon Levy, and Jeffrey Sachs who speak out against Israel's actions despite being disowned by family.

Outlook: They expect the money flow and media cover to continue, with no near-term political force strong enough to break Israel's hold on Washington.

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