Heritage Foundation Under Fire: Leadership Crisis Erupts Over Tucker Carlson Controversy

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts faced intense criticism from staff and fellows during an internal meeting Wednesday as tensions escalated over his handling of a contentious issue involving conservative figure Tucker Carlson. A video of the two-hour session, leaked by the Washington Free Beacon, revealed deep dissatisfaction among attendees, with some demanding Roberts’ resignation.

A Heritage member criticized the organization’s leadership, stating it was “bleeding” under Roberts’ direction and questioning why the foundation had not taken a clear stance on Carlson’s association with Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist and Holocaust denier. The staff member highlighted growing frustration over the lack of accountability, noting that colleagues and external stakeholders were demanding answers about Heritage’s position on Carlson’s antisemitic remarks and his platforming of bigots.

Roberts attempted to apologize during the meeting but avoided condemning Carlson or retracting his support for the conservative commentator. Instead, he attributed the controversy to a script written by his former chief of staff, Ryan Neuhaus, whom he claimed failed to follow proper protocols. Despite stepping down as chief of staff, Neuhaus remains employed at Heritage.

The fallout began after Roberts defended Carlson’s podcast interview with Fuentes in a video released on October 30, where he praised Carlson as “a courageous truth-teller” and dismissed criticism as part of a “venomous coalition.” Critics argued the remarks veiled antisemitic undertones. During Wednesday’s meeting, Roberts reiterated his claim that Carlson was a close friend but refused to renounce his actions or acknowledge the controversy’s severity.

Staff members challenged Roberts on Heritage’s sponsorship of Carlson’s podcast, which includes content promoting antisemitism and conspiracy theories. Roberts defended the decision by citing similar partnerships with other conservative figures, such as Mark Levin, while admitting he had “no knowledge” of Fuentes’ background. He also reiterated his claim that he did not “endorse everything” Carlson said but stopped short of condemning the specific controversies.

Longtime fellow Robert Rector questioned why Heritage had not addressed Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, noting the far-right figure’s admiration for Hitler. Another fellow, Niles Gardiner, called the situation a “defining moment” for the foundation, urging it to speak out against extremist ideologies. Legal scholar Amy Swearer criticized Roberts’ handling of the crisis as a “masterclass in cowardice,” accusing him of shielding Carlson and failing to confront “noxious ideas.”

The controversy has led to significant fallout, with several Jewish organizations withdrawing from Heritage’s Task Force on Antisemitism. Morton Klein of the Zionist Organization of America condemned Roberts for aligning with Carlson, warning that ties with Heritage would be severed if the foundation did not distance itself.

Staff members described a growing sense of disillusionment, with some expressing fear over speaking out publicly. One Jewish employee called the damage to Heritage’s reputation “the worst I have ever seen,” emphasizing that conservative allies were appalled by the leadership’s response.