The Heritage Foundation is undergoing staff changes and facing heated criticism after its president, Kevin Roberts, defended Tucker Carlson’s interview with far-right activist Nick Fuentes—a move fueling tensions within conservative ranks and drawing strong pushback from Republican leaders, Jewish organizations, and members of the Foundation itself.
Controversy After Carlson Interview
The uproar began when Roberts initially appeared to stand by both Carlson and Fuentes following Carlson’s podcast interview with the Holocaust-denying, white nationalist Fuentes. In his statement, Roberts claimed “cancelling” Fuentes was not the answer and insisted that conservatives should challenge rather than exclude controversial ideas, even as many pointed to Fuentes’s record of explicit antisemitism and hate speech. This perspective sparked outrage inside the Heritage Foundation, with staffers publicly criticizing the stance and some high-profile board members, including Robert P. George, insisting the conservative movement “cannot accommodate white supremacists, racists of any kind, antisemitism, eugenicists or others whose ideologies contradict the belief in the inherent and equal dignity of all”.
Republican Leaders Denounce the Defense
Leading Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, responded swiftly and critically. Cruz called out the “cowardice” of remaining silent in the face of hate, and McConnell asserted that “the intellectual backbone of the conservative movement is only as strong as the values it defends”. The incident also coincided with a broader reckoning within right-wing circles about rising antisemitism and how best to confront hateful rhetoric.
Foundation Response and Staff Shake-Up
In the wake of mounting backlash, Roberts clarified on social media that he “detest[s] the views held by Nick Fuentes” and reaffirmed Heritage’s opposition to antisemitism. However, the internal discord led to reassignments and other organizational changes within Heritage, as donors and activists questioned the Foundation’s direction and commitment to its principles.
What’s Next for Heritage Foundation
The situation spotlights ongoing divisions within the conservative movement over free speech, extremism, and the boundaries of debate. With key voices and organizations demanding clear lines against hate, the Heritage Foundation’s leadership will likely continue facing scrutiny both from within and throughout the broader political landscape.