Heritage Foundation Employees Stage Walkout Amid Ongoing Issues at Organization

In a significant upheaval, over a dozen employees from the Heritage Foundation departed from their positions over the recent weekend, underscoring the right-wing think tank’s challenges amidst rising allegations of antisemitism and the broader conservative movement’s struggle to redefine itself in the post-Trump era.

According to an internal email from Heritage’s President Kevin Roberts, most of the departing staff hailed from the organization’s legal and economic centers. Roberts acknowledged the situation, pointing out that despite wishing the employees well, their exit spoke volumes about the current state of the think tank.

The Heritage Foundation has faced mounting controversy since Roberts publicly defended an interview conducted by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson with Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist known for his antisemitic remarks. Roberts contended that his intention was to engage with Fuentes’s audience in hopes of presenting Heritage’s ideologies. Following significant backlash, he expressed regret and indicated the foundation’s decision to sever ties with Carlson, although he maintained a personal friendship with the controversial figure.

In a statement regarding the departures, Andy Olivastro, Heritage’s Chief Advancement Officer, labeled the departing employees as disloyal. He noted that two staff members had been terminated for actions inconsistent with the foundation’s mission and standards. Olivastro stressed the importance of commitment to the organization’s goals, asserting that these departures would facilitate a more focused and powerful team.

The weekend’s events also saw resignations from three board members, including two who stepped down just prior to the mass departure of staff. While it remains unclear how many employees left the organization in total, reports indicate that thirteen former staff members, including three in leadership roles, have accepted positions at Advancing American Freedom, a rival policy and advocacy group launched by former Vice President Mike Pence. Advancing American Freedom has publicly stated that it raised over million to support the recruitment of these individuals.

Historically, institutions like the Heritage Foundation and the American Conservative Union have served to balance the Republican Party against extremist elements that could alienate moderate voters. However, during the Trump administration, these organizations have increasingly adopted the nationalism and populism characteristic of the MAGA movement, leading to disputes over the acceptance of certain views within the conservative agenda.

Among the notable figures leaving Heritage for Advancing American Freedom are John Malcolm, the former vice president at the think tank, and significant policymakers Richard Stern and Kevin Dayaratna. Pence welcomed the new recruits, praising their dedication to the principles of the Constitution and the conservative movement. Conversely, Roberts reiterated the importance of alignment with Heritage’s leadership, indicating that loyalty remains a cornerstone of the organization.

In a related note, Josh Blackman, who previously edited the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, also resigned. In his resignation letter, he criticized Roberts for rendering the think tank’s brand “toxic,” suggesting that this had repercussions in judicial circles, as judges reportedly stopped attending Heritage events or endorsing the organization’s programs.

This mass departure signifies a pivotal moment for the Heritage Foundation as it grapples with internal dissent and external skepticism, potentially reshaping the landscape of conservative thought in America.

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