Heritage Leader Endorses Anti-Israel Figure Promoting Antisemitism
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, already under fire for initially backing a controversial interview between Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, has become embroiled with another anti-Israel influencer stoking antisemitism.
A newly surfaced video shows Roberts praising James Fishback — a Florida gubernatorial candidate who has gained prominence for his attacks on Israel and Jewish Americans. In the clip, Roberts recalled meeting Fishback and telling his children: “You have to mimic James Fishback’s rhetoric,” calling it “pristine” and “precise.” He also described the influencer as a “friend” that other conservatives should emulate.
Roberts has faced criticism for months after labeling Carlson a “close friend” while refusing to criticize or condemn the podcaster for his antisemitic statements. In remarks, Roberts called Fishback “truly one of the most articulate people I know,” highlighting his “virtue,” “quick wit,” and “irreverence.”
Fishback, 31, has vowed to divest Florida from Israel Bonds if elected governor. He has labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “depraved little man” and claims that Florida’s investment in Israel bonds is a political signal: “This was a purely political decision… to stand in solidarity with a foreign country.”
Fishback has also targeted Governor Ron DeSantis, accusing him of bending to donors by signing legislation related to Israel. He called the law “effectively criminalizing antisemitism” and argued that “you can’t criminalize attitudes.” During an interview with Carlson, Fishback referenced Rep. Randy Fine as the source of the legislation, stating: “It started like most things, terrible things start here in Florida with Randy Fine.”
Fishback has further criticized Netanyahu, calling him “a total criminal” and “a depraved little man.” He has also embraced conspiracy theories about white genocide and the so-called “great replacement,” declaring: “The great replacement and white genocide. They’re both real, and I’m running for Florida governor to stop it.”
A Heritage Foundation spokesperson stated that Roberts’ praise of Fishback was limited to a specific policy issue but confirmed Heritage has remained silent on criticizing Carlson or Fishback for promoting antisemitism.
The controversy intensified as over 60 senior staff members, fellows, and trustees from Heritage have resigned following Roberts’ defense of Carlson after his interview with Fuentes, with several citing antisemitism and bigotry as red lines. Roberts’ original video defending Carlson remains posted on his social media account.
