Heritage Foundation’s shocking defense of Tucker Carlson’s controversial interview has ignited a fierce civil war within conservative ranks, exposing deep fractures over free speech principles and Israel policy.
Heritage Foundation Stakes Controversial Position
Kevin Roberts, president of the influential Heritage Foundation, released a video statement defending Tucker Carlson against mounting criticism. Roberts denounced what he called a “venomous coalition” attempting to cancel the former Fox News host.
The Heritage Foundation, generating over $100 million annually, wields significant influence within Republican circles. Roberts framed his defense around Christian principles, stating his loyalty remains “to Christ first and to America always.” His statement directly challenged prominent conservative voices calling for Carlson’s exile from right-wing media.
Carlson Interview Sparks Firestorm
Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a 27-year-old political commentator known for anti-Semitic rhetoric, created immediate controversy. During the conversation, Fuentes claimed “organized Jewry” posed America’s greatest challenge to national unity. Fuentes has previously compared the Holocaust to baking cookies and routinely promotes anti-Israel positions.
Carlson found common ground with Fuentes regarding criticism of Israel’s policy. The former Fox News star condemned “Christian Zionists” like Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz, calling their beliefs “Christian heresy” and expressing strong personal dislike for such conservatives.
Conservative Leaders Launch Scathing Attacks
Pro-Israel conservative figures responded with unprecedented vitriol toward Roberts and Heritage Foundation leadership. Conservative editor John Podhoretz wrote that Roberts had “befouled” his mother’s 40-year Heritage board legacy, calling him a “rancid wretch of an amoeba.”
Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks announced that his organization would reassess its relationship with the Heritage Foundation, expressing disgust with Roberts’ position. Journalist Emily Schrader condemned Heritage as betraying “every American value that exists.” Tablet magazine editor Park MacDougald called Roberts a “craven piece of sh*t,” demonstrating the raw anger among establishment conservative voices.
Movement Divides Along Ideological Lines
Roberts found support among America First conservatives who praised his stance on free speech principles. Federalist CEO Sean Davis endorsed Roberts’ “Christ First, America Always” message. American Moment CEO Nick Solheim defended Roberts against what he termed unfair attacks from the conservative establishment since 2022.
Turning Point USA official Gabe Guidarini praised Roberts for demonstrating “moral courage.” Even Fuentes thanked Roberts for defending “open discourse” and standing against what he labeled the “Israel First Woke Right.” This divide reveals fundamental tensions within Trump’s coalition between traditional pro-Israel Republicans and populist America First advocates, prioritizing domestic concerns over foreign policy commitments.