Pence’s Elite Recruitments Signal Deepening Conservative Schism

Former Vice President Mike Pence’s political group, Advancing American Freedom, has reportedly recruited approximately 15 top officials from the Heritage Foundation, escalating a growing rift within conservative circles as Republicans prepare for post-Trump governance.

The shift follows recent tensions after Heritage’s president, Kevin Roberts, refused to criticize Tucker Carlson’s antisemitism or sever ties with the podcaster. Pence condemned Heritage for embracing “big-government populism,” tolerating antisemitism, and adopting isolationist policies—specifically withdrawing support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He also criticized Heritage for endorsing certain tariffs and advocating for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary.

Among those joining Pence’s group are John Malcolm, former head of Heritage’s legal and judicial studies center; Kevin Dayaratna, leader of Heritage’s data analysis division; and Richard Stern, director of the think tank’s economic policy studies institute.

Heritage Foundation leadership has countered by stating its mission remains unchanged and that departing staff were terminated for “conduct inconsistent with Heritage’s mission,” including alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and intellectual property rights. Chief Advancement Officer Andy Olivastro accused former employees of “disruption” and “disloyalty,” insisting alignment with the organization’s principles is “non-negotiable.”

The controversy intensified after Roberts defended Carlson following his interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier. Carlson has repeatedly used antisemitic rhetoric on his podcast, claiming Jews control U.S. government institutions, military forces, and even President Trump. Heritage’s senior editor Josh Blackman resigned this week, writing to Roberts that the foundation had “aligned with the rising tide of antisemitism on the right.”

Additionally, two Heritage board members—Abby Spencer Moffat and Shane McCullar—resigned amid concerns over the organization’s direction and insufficient condemnation of antisemitism. The departures join other senior fellows who have quit, including economist Steve Moore and legal scholar Chris DeMuth, further pressuring Heritage leadership as questions grow about whether the institution is straying from its foundational principles.