Shocking
Heritage Foundation Defends Tucker Carlson Amid Backlash Over Nick Fuentes Interview
As outrage erupts over Tucker Carlson’s interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, the Heritage Foundation doubles down, defending Carlson in the name of “free speech.” Heritage president Kevin Roberts’ fiery statement has ignited a conservative civil war, pitting defenders of open discourse against those warning of creeping antisemitism within the American right.
The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank instrumental in shaping Republican policy through initiatives like Project 2025, has publicly stood by Tucker Carlson following widespread criticism of his recent podcast interview with far-right activist Nick Fuentes.
The statement, issued by Heritage President Kevin Roberts yesterday, comes just days after the two-hour conversation aired on October 27 (or 28, per some reports), which featured Fuentes expressing overtly antisemitic views, including complaints about "organized Jewry in America" and praise for Joseph Stalin.
The Interview and Its Controversies
In the episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, Fuentes, a known white nationalist, Holocaust denier, and admirer of Adolf Hitler, engaged in a largely unchallenged discussion with Carlson.
Key moments included:
The interview drew immediate condemnation from across the political spectrum, particularly within conservative circles grappling with a rise in antisemitic incidents on the right. Critics, including Breitbart's Joel Pollak, talk show host Mark Levin, and Daily Wire's Andrew Klavan, accused Carlson of mainstreaming extremism.
Jewish organizations and figures, such as Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) CEO Matt Brooks, expressed outrage, with Brooks calling the defense "appalling, offensive, and disgusting."
Centrist commentators like Matthew Yglesias noted that Fuentes' "groypers" (his online followers) appeared to be gaining ground.
Heritage's Statement: A Defense of Free Speech
Roberts addressed the uproar in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), explicitly denying rumors that Heritage was distancing itself from Carlson—a "close friend" of the organization.
Key points from his remarks:
Condemnation of Antisemitism:
Roberts stated, "Antisemitism should be condemned," and noted Heritage's "Project Esther" initiative to combat it. He added that "Christians can critique the state of Israel without being antisemitic."
Rejection of Cancellation: "I disagree with, and even abhor, things that Nick Fuentes says," Roberts said, but insisted "canceling him is not the answer." He advocated challenging ideas through debate rather than "policing the consciences of Christians."
Prioritizing Internal Unity: Roberts framed critics as a "venomous coalition" of the "globalist class" and "their mouthpieces in Washington," arguing Heritage's role is to fight the left, not "cancel our own people."
Fuentes responded gratefully on X, thanking Roberts for "courage in standing up for open discourse and defending Tucker against the Israel First Woke Right."
The defense has deepened fissures within conservatism:Supporters: Some praised it as a principled stand for free speech and "America First" priorities, aligning with Heritage's emphasis on American interests over foreign entanglements.
Critics: Anti-Trump conservatives like David French accused Heritage of fearing Carlson's audience.
Legal commentator William A. Jacobson called Roberts a "disgrace" for aiding efforts to "destroy the MAGA movement."
Dinesh D'Souza described Carlson as acting as Fuentes' "press secretary," advancing covert antisemitism.