In a new report published Wednesday, Breitbart columnist John Nolte claims that comedian Larry David has ended his friendship with legal scholar Alan Dershowitz, citing irreconcilable political differences over former President Donald Trump. The report, which cites unnamed sources, suggests that David, best known for creating Seinfeld and starring in Curb Your Enthusiasm, took issue with Dershowitz’s defense of Trump during the former president’s impeachment trials.
According to Nolte, David’s decision to cut ties was driven by what he describes as a ‘McCarthyite’ attitude on David’s part—a reference to the red-baiting senator from the 1950s—implying that David was intolerant of Dershowitz’s political stance. The report does not provide direct quotes from either David or Dershowitz, but characterizes the fallout as a personal rupture over Trump.
Friendship’s Demise
The article recounts that David and Dershowitz had been friends for years, with Dershowitz even making a cameo appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm. However, their friendship soured as Dershowitz became a prominent defender of the former president, appearing on cable news and writing op-eds. Nolte suggests that David, a vocal liberal, could not tolerate Dershowitz’s support for Trump, leading to the end of their relationship.
The report doesn’t specify exactly when the friendship ended or whether any final confrontation occurred. Instead, it frames the breakup as a broader cultural moment, reflecting the deepening political divisions in America that have strained personal relationships.
Dershowitz’s Advocacy
Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor emeritus, gained national attention as a member of Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in early 2020, where he argued that abuse of power and obstruction of Congress were not impeachable offenses. He later defended Trump during his second impeachment after the January 6 Capitol riot. His stance made him a controversial figure among liberals, many of whom accused him of abandoning progressive principles.
In his column, Nolte uses the term ‘McCarthyite’ to describe David’s alleged behavior, accusing the comedian of blacklisting those who disagree with him politically. The word carries heavy historical weight, evoking the anti-communist witch hunts of the 1950s led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, which ruined careers and friendships. Nolte argues that David’s alleged rejection of Dershowitz mirrors that kind of intolerance.
Reactions and Context
As of this writing, neither David nor Dershowitz has publicly commented on the alleged rift. Breitbart has not provided any corroborating evidence beyond Nolte’s column, and other outlets have not yet confirmed the story. The claim has stirred reactions on social media, with some observers noting the irony of a comedian known for satirizing political correctness being accused of ideological purity.
Nolte’s piece is largely opinion, but it presents as a news item about a private relationship. If true, it adds another data point to the growing list of high-profile friendships severed over Trump-related politics, similar to other celebrity and political splits in recent years.
David has been a vocal critic of Trump, frequently lampooning him on Saturday Night Live and in his comedy specials. In contrast, Dershowitz has become a fixture in conservative media, defending Trump on Fox News and other platforms. Their divergent paths highlight how the 45th president has become a fault line in American society.
Breitbart’s report is part of a larger narrative by right-leaning media that seeks to expose what they see as liberal intolerance toward conservative voices. By using the term ‘McCarthyite,’ Nolte taps into a historical analogy that resonates with his audience, framing the incident as evidence of a broader problem within liberal circles.
Looking Ahead
Until there is an official statement from either party, the full story remains unconfirmed. However, the report has already fueled debates online about the limits of friendship across political divides. Some might argue that friendships can survive political differences, while others contend that certain issues, like Trump’s conduct, are deal-breakers.
As this story develops, it serves as a reminder of the personal costs of political polarization. Whether or not the details are accurate, the notion of a friendship ending over Trump is something many Americans can relate to, regardless of their own political leanings.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/08/19/nolte-mccarthyite-larry-david-killed-friendship-alan-dershowitz-trump/