Full Breakdown
Departures from Heritage Foundation Signal Turmoil in Conservative Movement
12/23/2025, 10:30:06 PM
Staff Exodus Amid Controversy
More than a dozen staff members from The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, are leaving to join Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a nonprofit led by former Vice President Mike Pence. This shift comes as Heritage faces significant internal turmoil, including a scandal involving Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes and ongoing debates about antisemitism within the conservative movement. The departures, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, include three senior officials who led key teams at Heritage, indicating a potential realignment within conservative circles.
Background of the Crisis
The upheaval at The Heritage Foundation has been exacerbated by President Kevin Roberts' handling of the controversy surrounding Fuentes. Following a friendly interview between conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and Fuentes, Roberts received backlash from various conservative figures, including commentator Ben Shapiro. In a subsequent all-staff meeting, Roberts acknowledged his missteps and sought a chance to rectify the situation. However, his leadership has been called into question, leading to a wave of resignations.
Key Figures in the Transition
Among those departing are former Heritage Vice President John Malcolm, who will lead AAF’s Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law, and Jessica Reinsch, who will serve as director of programs at the same institute. Additionally, five staffers from Heritage’s economic policy institute and federal budget center will join AAF’s Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise. The transition reflects a strategic move by AAF to position itself as a significant player in the conservative movement.
Official Statements & Responses
Andrew Olivastro, chief advancement officer at The Heritage Foundation, stated that several departing staff members were “terminated for conduct inconsistent with Heritage’s mission and standards.” He emphasized that the organization’s mission remains unchanged and that the departures would lead to a stronger team. In contrast, Pence expressed pride in welcoming the new scholars to AAF, highlighting their commitment to conservative principles.
Criticism & Opposition
The resignations have sparked mixed reactions within the conservative community. Former Heritage staffer Josh Blackman criticized Roberts' handling of the situation, stating that his remarks were “indefensible” and contributed to rising antisemitism. Conversely, some remaining Heritage staff, like conservative activist Robby Starbuck, suggested that the resignations are more about future political ambitions than ideological disagreements, implying a desire for a return to the leadership style of Pence and former House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the number of departing staff is reported as over a dozen, specific figures and the exact nature of the conduct leading to terminations remain unclear. Additionally, the broader implications of these departures for the future of The Heritage Foundation and the conservative movement are still unfolding, with ongoing debates about the role of figures like Fuentes in the GOP.
Verbatim Quotes
- “AAF is honored to welcome these principled conservative scholars to the team,” — Mike Pence, Former Vice President
- “Your initial remarks were indefensible. Your apology was underwhelming. And the lack of any meaningful followup over the past three months has been telling,” — Josh Blackman, Former Heritage Staffer
- “these resignations have a lot more to do with 2028 than it does with anything else,” — Robby Starbuck, Conservative Activist
The ongoing shifts within The Heritage Foundation and the rise of Advancing American Freedom highlight a critical moment in the evolution of the conservative movement in the United States.
