In a dramatic weekend shakeup, more than a dozen staff members have exited the influential Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank once considered the intellectual heart of Washington's right-wing movement. The mass departure to a rival organization signals deep ideological fractures, stemming from accusations that Heritage has embraced antisemitic views and big-government populism.
Exodus to Pence-Led Rival Group
The staff walkout, which occurred over the weekend of December 21-22, 2025, saw the entire leadership and staff of Heritage's legal, economic, and data teams resign. They have joined Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. Pence, who has become a prominent Republican critic of former President Donald Trump, told The Wall Street Journal he had long admired Heritage but now sees it "abandoning its principles."
Pence cited the think tank's shift toward isolationism, support for tariffs, and other issues. "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," Pence stated. AAF announced it has raised "more than eight figures" to support the influx of new hires from Heritage.
Fuentes Interview Sparks Internal Firestorm
The internal turmoil escalated following public comments by Heritage President Kevin Roberts. Roberts publicly defended conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson for hosting Nick Fuentes on his popular show. Fuentes is a known figure infamous for his antisemitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial.
Roberts denounced critics as a "venomous coalition" and declared, "Their attempt to cancel him will fail." The remarks triggered immediate outrage among staff and donors. Facing intense backlash, Roberts later apologized, claiming he was misled by his former chief of staff who wrote the statement. Despite the apology, Roberts has rejected calls for his resignation.
Board Members and Scholars Cut Ties
The fallout from Roberts's defence of Carlson has been severe. In the past month, three Heritage Foundation board members have resigned, including two just last week. Furthermore, Josh Blackman, a prominent constitutional law professor, publicly resigned over the weekend.
In a public letter, Blackman accused Roberts's remarks of giving "aid and comfort to the rising tide of antisemitism on the right." He warned that jurists and scholars can no longer associate with the Heritage Foundation's recently published Guide to the Constitution, a major scholarly project.
Heritage Responds Amidst Project 2025 Shadow
The controversy engulfs an organization already under a spotlight for authoring Project 2025, the extensive policy blueprint that has guided much of the Trump administration's agenda. In response to the departures, Heritage Foundation Chief Advancement Officer Andy Olivastro issued a statement.
"The Heritage Foundation has always welcomed debate, but alignment on mission and loyalty to the institution are non-negotiable," Olivastro said. "A handful of staff chose a different path — some through disruption, others through disloyalty."
This staff exodus represents one of the most significant public ruptures within the American conservative movement in recent years, highlighting fierce internal debates over ideology, tolerance, and the future direction of the right.
