Heritage Foundation Task Force Director Resigns Amid Controversy

In Washington, the head of the Heritage Foundation’s anti-Semitism task force stepped down on Wednesday. This follows the foundation’s president, Kevin Roberts, apologizing for his support of Tucker Carlson after a controversial interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

Shortly after the fallout from the Fuentes interview, Laurie Cardoza-Moore announced her resignation from the National Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, also known as Project Esther. She expressed her disappointment with Roberts’ backing of Carlson.

“I took on this role within the Heritage Foundation to fight against Jewish hatred, but I feel I can’t continue unless there’s a decisive stance taken,” Cardoza-Moore stated.

She referred to Roberts’ comments regarding the recent interviews as “deeply disturbing,” arguing that if the Heritage Foundation wishes to align with a positive historical narrative, it must completely cut ties with individuals espousing anti-Semitism.

Cardoza-Moore, who founded Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, remarked that she explicitly told Carlson he was dangerous for promoting anti-Semitic views.

During a private town hall meeting, Roberts admitted he had “made a mistake” in defending Carlson fully.

“I’ve let you and this institution down. I want to fix this,” he told attendees in a recorded message. “I shouldn’t have backed everything they say, particularly interviews that don’t adequately challenge their views.”

In a podcast appearance, Carlson defended his decision to host Fuentes, saying he considered it carefully after facing backlash. He mentioned personal attacks against his family from far-right commentators.

“In the end, we decided we couldn’t just cancel Nick Fuentes; he has talent that’s undeniable,” Carlson noted.

He further added, “I don’t hate Jews, and I refuse to endorse hatred based on any group identity.”

Internal communications among Heritage executives revealed they were “disgusted” by Roberts’ support for Carlson. One staffer even questioned whether those critical of Roberts were part of a group unfairly interpreting Carlson’s connections.

Fuentes’ interview garnered millions of views, where he criticized what he saw as the influence of “organized Jews” in politics and claimed to admire Stalin.

Carlson, in another podcast episode, criticized American Christians supporting Israel, suggesting they were misled—a “brain virus,” as he put it.

Roberts acknowledged later that he wasn’t well-acquainted with Fuentes, stating in a video that the foundation would always defend its friends from negative portrayals, reinforcing Carlson’s lasting friendship with the organization.

He reiterated, “The attempts to cancel him will ultimately fail. I don’t agree with everything Fuentes has said, but silencing him isn’t the solution.”

No immediate response was received from representatives of the Heritage Foundation or Carlson.