Full Breakdown
Turmoil at the Heritage Foundation: A Shift in Conservative Politics
12/23/2025, 2:38:12 AM
Mass Departures from the Heritage Foundation
In December 2025, over a dozen senior officials from the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, left to join Advancing American Freedom (AAF), an organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. This mass exodus follows significant internal turmoil at Heritage, particularly after its president, Kevin Roberts, defended Tucker Carlson for hosting Nick Fuentes, a known white nationalist, on his show. The controversy surrounding this interview has ignited a rift within the conservative movement, leading to accusations of antisemitism against the Heritage Foundation.
Background of the Controversy
The tensions at the Heritage Foundation escalated after Carlson's October interview with Fuentes, who has made inflammatory remarks about Jews and white nationalism. Roberts' defense of Carlson, which included a controversial video statement, prompted backlash from various conservative figures, including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Critics within the organization expressed concerns that Heritage was aligning itself with extremist views, leading to resignations from key staff members who felt the foundation was abandoning its core principles.
Key Figures and Responses
Pence's AAF welcomed the new hires, emphasizing their commitment to traditional conservative values, including low taxation and limited government. Pence criticized the Heritage Foundation for embracing "big-government populism" and tolerating antisemitism, stating, “Why these people are coming our way is that Heritage and some other voices and commentators have embraced big-government populism.” Meanwhile, Andy Olivastro, Heritage's Chief Advancement Officer, characterized the departures as acts of "disloyalty," asserting that the think tank would remain focused on its mission.
Criticism and Opposition
The fallout from Roberts' comments has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Josh Blackman, a law professor and former Heritage contributor, publicly resigned, accusing Roberts of aligning the foundation with a "rising tide of antisemitism." He stated, “You aligned the Heritage Foundation with the rising tide of antisemitism on the right.” Additionally, three board members have resigned, citing a failure to condemn antisemitism and a drift from the principles that once defined the organization.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While some sources attribute the departures to ideological disagreements over antisemitism, others suggest that internal political jockeying for the future of the Republican Party is at play. Robby Starbuck, a Heritage fellow, indicated that the resignations are more about positioning for the 2028 elections than a principled stand against antisemitism.
What's Next for the Conservative Movement?
The recent upheaval at the Heritage Foundation raises questions about the future direction of the conservative movement in the United States. As factions within the Republican Party vie for influence, the implications of these departures may shape the party's identity leading into the next presidential election. The ongoing debate over the role of extremism in conservative politics remains a critical issue for both Heritage and the broader Republican landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You aligned the Heritage Foundation with the rising tide of antisemitism on the right,” — Josh Blackman, Law Professor
- “Why these people are coming our way is that Heritage and some other voices and commentators have embraced big-government populism and have been willing to tolerate antisemitism,” — Mike Pence, Former Vice President
- “A handful of staff chose a different path—some through disruption, others through disloyalty.” — Andy Olivastro, Chief Advancement Officer, Heritage Foundation
