The Auron MacIntyre Show The Purging of the John Birch Society | Guest: Alex Newman | 2/2/26
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Feb 2, 2026 Alex Newman, journalist and author known for writing on education and politics and affiliated with the John Birch Society, explores the rise and fall of the JBS. He recounts Buckley’s campaign to marginalize the group. They discuss claims of conspiratorial labeling, ties between elite institutions and mainstream conservatism, and what the JBS focuses on today.
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Buckley's Public Break With The JBS
- William F. Buckley helped establish conservative infrastructure but later publicly denounced the JBS as conspiratorial and used National Review to marginalize them.
- Buckley's break centered on JBS claims about high-level infiltration and his view that Welch had gone too far.
Welch's 'The Politician' On Eisenhower
- Welch's private letter 'The Politician' outlined troubling actions by Eisenhower and offered possible explanations including manipulation or agency by hostile forces.
- Welch did not flatly claim Eisenhower was a Soviet agent but said the evidence demanded serious consideration of those scenarios.
JBS Opposition To The Civil Rights Act
- The JBS opposed the Civil Rights Act on constitutional grounds, arguing Congress lacked power under Article I, Section 8 to micromanage private association.
- Alex Newman emphasizes Welch personally opposed segregation and expelled racists from the organization.
