The Nelk Boys’ Controversial Interview with Netanyahu: Backlash, Ignorance, and Damage Control
The Nelk Boys, a group of pro-Trump YouTubers and podcasters known for their pranks and appeal to young male audiences, recently stirred up a firestorm with their interview of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on their "Full Send" podcast.
Recorded during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C., in early July 2025 and released later that month, the episode was meant to showcase the Nelk Boys’ ability to snag high-profile guests. Instead, it unleashed a torrent of backlash, with critics slamming the hosts for their failure to push back on Netanyahu, their apparent ignorance of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and their pursuit of clout over substance.
Who Are the Nelk Boys?
The Nelk Boys—led by Kyle Forgeard and Aaron "Steiny" Steinberg—have built a massive following through their irreverent YouTube content and the "Full Send" podcast. Known for frat-boy antics and interviews with controversial figures like Andrew Tate and Donald Trump, they’ve cultivated a loyal audience of young, predominantly conservative men. Their platform thrives on shock value and unfiltered conversations, often avoiding the scrutiny of traditional journalism. This reputation made them an appealing choice for Netanyahu’s team, who sought a friendly, unchallenging outlet to reach a younger demographic.
The Interview: A Platform Without Pushback
The one-hour interview covered topics like Israel’s war in Gaza, antisemitism, Netanyahu’s ties to Trump, and even personal anecdotes about his family. Yet, the Nelk Boys offered no resistance to Netanyahu’s statements, particularly on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—a topic that has drawn global scrutiny. Critics quickly pointed out the hosts’ lack of preparation and unwillingness to ask tough questions, allowing Netanyahu to deliver his narrative uninterrupted. For many, this passivity transformed the podcast into a propaganda vehicle rather than a balanced discussion.
The decision to host Netanyahu wasn’t random. Sources suggest his team deliberately chose the "Full Send" podcast, banking on the Nelk Boys’ ignorance of geopolitics to ensure an easy, unchallenged interview. This press orchestration likely included coercive pressure—subtle or overt—to keep the hosts from critiquing or questioning too deeply. Netanyahu’s broader media strategy during his U.S. visit supports this theory: he avoided mainstream Israeli press, opting instead for pre-taped clips and conservative platforms like Fox News and the Nelk Boys’ show.
Massive Backlash: From Live Chat to Social Media
The public reaction was immediate and brutal. During the episode’s premiere, the live chat erupted with criticism, targeting both Netanyahu and the Nelk Boys. Comments like "0 pushback you literally just let a war criminal talk freely for an hour to millions of fans" flooded the platform, reflecting widespread outrage. After the fact, the YouTube comments section and posts on X (formerly Twitter) continued the onslaught. One X user wrote, "The Nelk boys podcast having Netanyahu on their podcast for their millions of fans to watch just for them to not ask any questions, no pushback or even do any research on basic facts is absolutely absurd. Not pushing back on a war criminal is fucking crazyyyyyy."
The backlash wasn’t just about Netanyahu’s controversial policies—it was personal for the Nelk Boys. Fans and detractors alike accused them of chasing clout by securing such a high-profile guest, only to squander the opportunity with their ignorance. Many felt the interview tarnished the Nelk Boys’ brand, with one commenter noting, "The popular Gen Z influencers Nelk Boys may have just tanked their brand with a softball interview of Netanyahu in which they affirm Israeli propaganda." Influencers like Hasan Piker and Adam Friedland piled on, with Piker arguing the hosts were "humanizing" Netanyahu without accountability, and Friedland mocking their lack of depth.
Damage Control: A Live Stream and a Promise
Facing a PR disaster, the Nelk Boys scrambled to respond. They hosted a 2-3 hour live stream, bringing on voices opposing Netanyahu and Zionism—figures like Nick Fuentes and Sneako—to counter the original narrative. During the stream, they acknowledged the criticism, with one host announcing, "We’re addressing the pod LIVE now on kick." They also pledged to soon feature a guest in favor of Palestine to present a differing perspective, a move intended to appease their critics.
However, this damage control effort received mixed reactions. Some saw it as a genuine attempt to balance the conversation, while others dismissed it as a cynical ploy. Streamer Myron Gaines, who joined the live stream, remarked, "They would never have Nick Fuentes, me or you on if it weren't for the backlash," suggesting the Nelk Boys were reacting to pressure rather than acting out of principle. Skeptics also questioned whether the promised pro-Palestine guest would materialize, given the podcast’s history of leaning heavily into right-wing perspectives.
The Bigger Picture: New Media’s Responsibility
The Nelk Boys’ misadventure with Netanyahu underscores a growing tension in new media. As podcasts and YouTube channels become go-to platforms for political figures, hosts face increasing scrutiny over their ability—or willingness—to engage meaningfully with complex issues. The Nelk Boys’ success has been built on entertainment, not journalism, and their interview with Netanyahu exposed the limits of that approach. By failing to challenge a world leader on a topic as fraught as the Gaza conflict, they alienated fans and fueled accusations of complicity.
This incident also highlights the risks of press orchestration. Netanyahu’s team likely saw the Nelk Boys as an easy mark, a way to push their message without resistance. Yet, the plan backfired as the audience—particularly younger Americans critical of Israel—rejected the softball approach. The Nelk Boys, caught between their pursuit of clout and the demands of an informed public, found themselves out of their depth.
A Lesson in Accountability
The Nelk Boys’ interview with Benjamin Netanyahu was a gamble that didn’t pay off. What could have been a coup for their podcast turned into a lightning rod for criticism, exposing their ignorance and sparking a debate about their motives. The massive backlash, from live chat vitriol to social media condemnation, forced them into damage control mode, with a live stream and a promise of future balance. Whether these efforts will restore their credibility remains uncertain.
For now, the episode stands as a cautionary tale about the perils of platforming powerful figures without the preparation or backbone to hold them accountable. In the evolving landscape of new media, the Nelk Boys learned the hard way that clout alone isn’t enough when the stakes are this high.