Heritage Foundation in Turmoil: Leadership Under Fire After Defending Far-Right Host

By Newsmax Wires | Monday, 03 November 2025 10:53 PM EST

The Heritage Foundation, a pivotal conservative think tank in Washington, has faced escalating internal strife after its president, Kevin Roberts, publicly supported Tucker Carlson following the former Fox News host’s controversial interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. The New York Post reported that Roberts’ defense of Carlson—despite widespread backlash against Fuentes’ antisemitic and extremist views—has triggered resignations, staff outrage, and demands from board members for Roberts to step down.

Internal communications reviewed by the Post reveal senior Heritage employees expressing shame and disgust over Roberts’ response to Carlson’s two-hour conversation with Fuentes, who has denied the Holocaust and praised authoritarian leaders. One staff member wrote, “This is the most embarrassed I’ve ever been to be a Heritage employee,” while another called Roberts’ defense “ridiculous” and questioned how such a statement could originate from a leading conservative institution.

The controversy erupted after Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, which amassed over 17 million views on X. In the discussion, Fuentes praised Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, criticized “organized Jewry,” and dismissed Christian support for Israel. Carlson accused American Christians backing Israel of being “heretics” with a “brain virus.” Three days later, Roberts released a video statement condemning attempts to “cancel our own people” and defending Carlson as a “close friend of the Heritage Foundation.”

Roberts’ remarks, which garnered over 23 million views, framed the backlash against Carlson as “venomous” and divisive. He acknowledged disagreeing with Fuentes’ statements but argued against canceling him. This stance intensified internal fury, with one staffer declaring, “If we are labeled on the same side as Nick Fuentes, then we deserve to lose,” while another accused Roberts of “playing footsie with literal Nazis.”

The fallout has already led to departures, including Ryan Neuhaus, Roberts’ chief of staff, who was reassigned and later resigned. David Bernstein, a Jewish scholar and former Heritage member focused on combating antisemitism, also left, citing Roberts’ remarks as an attack on Jewish political agency. Donor support from evangelical Christians and Jews has reportedly dwindled, with references to Heritage’s sponsorship of “The Tucker Carlson Network” removed from its donations page.

Prominent board members, including Princeton professor Robert P. George, have criticized Roberts’ leadership, urging trustees to consider his removal. George condemned those who “reject our commitment to inherent and equal human dignity,” warning against white supremacy and hatred of Jews. Despite the turmoil, Heritage maintains Roberts retains board support, though he has canceled public appearances amid the crisis.

Roberts later clarified his stance, asserting he opposed Fuentes’ antisemitic views but advocated for free speech. The controversy highlights growing fractures within the conservative movement, with Senator Ted Cruz warning of rising antisemitism on the right.