More than a dozen employees have left the Heritage Foundation, leading to one of the most serious internal crises in the organization’s recent history. The departure follows mounting backlash against Heritage President Kevin Roberts after he defended a controversial interview by Tucker Carlson with far-right activist Nick Fuentes, a figure widely condemned for anti-Semitic views. The episode has exposed deep rifts within the MAGA-oriented conservative movement over extremism, leadership and the future direction of the movement.
Tucker Carlson’s defense of interview sparks rebellion
The unrest began after Roberts publicly justified Carlson’s decision to interview Fuentes, arguing that inclusion rather than exclusion was the appropriate response. Critics inside and outside Heritage accused its leaders of normalizing extremist voices and failing to draw clear moral boundaries.Roberts later issued multiple apologies, including in a video message on Nov. 6 and during subsequent staff meetings, in which he acknowledged that his response had caused harm. However, he did not formally cut institutional ties with Carlson. Instead, Roberts reiterated the foundation’s opposition to anti-Semitism while describing Carlson as a “good friend” in a personal capacity, a distinction that failed to calm internal dissent.
Walkouts, layoffs and terminations
In a Sunday evening email to staff, Roberts acknowledged that “most of our legal and economic centers” were leaving immediately, adding that while the organization wished them well, “the manner of their departure speaks volumes.” While many staff members resigned voluntarily, Heritage leadership has said some employees were fired for “conduct inconsistent with the organization’s mission and standards.”The exits involved senior figures from Heritage’s legal science, economic policy and data analytics teams, marking a significant loss of institutional expertise for a think tank that has long shaped conservative policy and legal thinking.
Board members also resign
The exodus of staff was accompanied by resignations at board level. Three trustees have resigned in protest, citing what they describe as an inadequate response to concerns about anti-Semitism and increasing reputational damage to the organization.Outgoing figures have warned that Heritage’s position within conservative legal and academic circles has weakened, with judges and senior officials reportedly distancing themselves from Heritage events and programs.
A group linked to Pence is absorbing defectors
Many of the departing staff have moved to Advancing American Freedom, a rival organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. The group has confirmed it has raised $13 million to fund the expansion and has announced the hiring of at least 13 former Heritage employees, including senior policy staff.Advancing American Freedom has positioned itself around traditional conservative principles such as the free market, limited government, and the rule of law, and has carved out territory that Heritage once dominated before the rise of Trump-era populism.Heritage leadership has pushed back strongly against critics. Senior officials have described the departure as a matter of loyalty, stressing that alignment with the organization’s mission and adherence to leadership are non-negotiable.In public statements and internal communications, Roberts has argued that Heritage remains open to debate but cannot function without unity, a position that has further fueled criticism from former employees who say dissent will no longer be tolerated.
A wider one MAGA identity crisis
The rift at Heritage reflects a broader struggle within American conservatism over how closely institutions should align with the MAGA movement and how to respond to extremist figures gaining mainstream visibility. Historically, think tanks like Heritage have served as gatekeepers, keeping fringe actors at bay to protect the credibility of elections.As conservatives continue to debate Donald Trump’s legacy and the movement’s future direction, the Heritage walkout is one of the clearest signs yet of a MAGA rift playing out within one of the right’s most influential institutions.
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