Heritage Foundation in Turmoil Over Carlson and Fuentes Encounter
WASHINGTON — The Heritage Foundation, a major conservative think tank in D.C., is experiencing significant internal discord after a conservative podcaster featured white supremacist Nick Fuentes on his show. This appearance and subsequent actions have sparked strong backlash from the organization’s executives.
Internal communications, reviewed by the Post, show that senior staff members expressed feelings of “embarrassment” and “disgust” towards Kevin Roberts, the foundation’s leader, for his decision to defend Tucker Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, who has made anti-Semitic statements, including Holocaust denial.
One staff member described the situation as “disgusting” and questioned how such a significant response could come from one of the largest think tanks in the world.
Another employee remarked that it was the “most embarrassing thing” they’d experienced while at Heritage, indicating the deep discomfort within the organization.
During Carlson’s two-hour interview, which garnered over 17 million views, Fuentes referred to himself as a “fan” of Joseph Stalin and criticized the influence of “organized Jews” in American politics. Carlson, for his part, suggested that American Christians supporting Israel were heretics suffering from a “brain virus.”
Roberts issued a video statement on October 30, three days after the fallout from the Carlson-Fuentes interview, saying they would protect their friends from slander, including Carlson, who he considers a close ally. He labeled those attacking Carlson as a “toxic coalition” fueling division and declared that their attempts to silence him would not succeed.
Roberts claimed he disagreed vehemently with Fuentes but insisted that “canceling him” wasn’t a solution either.
Following this, it was reported that Roberts’ chief of staff, Ryan Neuhaus, was reassigned, a move some described as being sent to “heritage Siberia.” Neuhaus later resigned, according to a spokesperson for Heritage, who added the organization appreciated his contributions.
The fallout from Roberts’ statement appears to be affecting not only staff morale but also relationships with evangelical Christian and Jewish contributors, with reports indicating a significant decline in support from these groups.
Some Heritage employees noted it was hypocritical for Roberts to defend figures like Carlson and Fuentes while previously criticizing other conservative groups, such as the Boston College Republicans, branding them as “soft men.” This inconsistency sparked confusion and frustration among staff.
The sentiment within the organization seemed ripe with contradictions. Some employees expressed concerns about being associated with Fuentes’ views, arguing that such connections could lead to negative consequences for their mission.
In a follow-up statement, Roberts condemned Fuentes’ “vicious anti-Semitic ideology,” and it appears references to Carlson’s show on Heritage’s donation page were removed after the controversy started.
Roberts has claimed that there would be “no repercussions” for employees discussing the matter, emphasizing a culture of respect within the organization. Yet, some staff members are still wary about the implications of Roberts’ comments and the direction of the foundation.
David Bernstein, a law professor and former member of a Heritage task force aimed at combating anti-Semitism, resigned due to Roberts’ remarks. He expressed concern that labeling critical voices as part of a “toxic coalition” undermines efforts to denounce anti-Semitism and poses a risk to the integrity of conservative dialogue.
Amid shifting dynamics, a town hall was scheduled for staff this week, although Roberts canceled some public appearances planned around the same time. The board of directors remains supportive of Roberts, despite calls from some members to consider his removal.
In light of recent trends, the Republican Jewish Coalition held a summit highlighting an alarming rise in anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism within conservative circles, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz warning that these attitudes could pose an existential threat to the party and the nation.
