Heritage Foundation Staffer Resigns After Controversial Defense of Tucker Carlson

By Sam Barron | Monday, 03 November 2025 04:51 PM EST

A senior official at the Heritage Foundation has left their position following the organization’s president, Kevin Roberts, defending Tucker Carlson after an interview with Nick Fuentes, a figure linked to antisemitic rhetoric. Ryan Neuhaus, who served as Roberts’ chief of staff, submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the right-wing think tank. A spokesperson stated, “Ryan was not fired. He offered his resignation, which was accepted. Ryan is a good man, we appreciate his service, and we have no doubt he will serve the movement in another capacity.”

Neuhaus had actively supported Roberts on social media following backlash over a video where Roberts defended Carlson after the latter interviewed Fuentes, who has a history of antisemitic comments. In the interview, Carlson criticized Republican supporters of Israel as being “seized by this brain virus,” while Fuentes claimed “organized Jewry” was dividing the country. Roberts asserted in a video that Carlson would remain a close ally of the Heritage Foundation, stating, “Christians can critique the state of Israel without being antisemitic.” He also condemned antisemitism but argued against canceling Carlson, calling critics “a venomous coalition sowing division.”

Prominent conservatives, including Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Ted Cruz, criticized Roberts’ stance. McConnell wrote on social media, “The ‘intellectual backbone of the conservative movement’ is only as strong as the values it defends,” while Cruz warned that associating with figures like Fuentes made individuals complicit in hatred. Roberts later distanced himself from Fuentes, condemning his antisemitic ideology and conspiracy theories but maintaining support for Carlson. He emphasized the need to confront “poisonous ideas” while avoiding cancellation.

Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.