Heritage board member resigns over organization's defense of Tucker Carlson

Another Conservative Resignation at Heritage Foundation Over Controversial Video

In a surprising turn of events at the conservative Heritage Foundation, another board member has chosen to resign following the organization’s president’s defense of Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.

Robert P. George, a prominent board member, announced his departure via Facebook, stating that he could not continue his association with the foundation unless there was a “full retraction” of the controversial video released last month by President Kevin Roberts.

“While Kevin did publicly apologize for some of his remarks, he failed to retract the full content of the video, leaving us at an impasse,” George explained.

The interview in question, featuring Carlson and Fuentes—who has expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler—has drawn intense backlash for its antisemitic undertones, revealing deep fissures among conservatives.

In his video from October 30, Roberts criticized what he termed the “venomous coalition” attacking both Fuentes and Carlson, insisting that Carlson is a “close friend.” Despite his personal disdain for some of Fuentes’ statements, Roberts maintained that he did not support the idea of “cancelling” either Carlson or Fuentes. Notably, even former President Donald Trump defended Carlson, asserting, “you can’t tell him who to interview.”

Fuentes, a provocateur in far-right circles, has made headlines for claiming that “organized Jewry” is responsible for the erosion of white culture.

Roberts later remarked that he “didn’t know much about this Fuentes guy,” suggesting that the script for his original video was penned by an aide who has since resigned.

On Monday, George referred to Roberts as a “good man” who recognized a “serious mistake.” He added, “Our division stemmed from differing views on how to address that mistake.”

A spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation confirmed George’s resignation, expressing gratitude for his service and reiterating that he is a “good man,” while defending Roberts’ leadership. They emphasized, “Under Dr. Roberts’ guidance, Heritage is committed to fostering an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity, and civil society thrive. We are strong, growing, and more determined than ever to advocate for our Republic.”

George, who holds the position of McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and directs the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, has been a trustee at Heritage since 2019, according to the foundation’s official website.

His resignation is part of a broader wave of departures, including at least five members from the foundation’s antisemitism task force, as reported by CBS News.

In his parting remarks, George expressed hope that Heritage’s research and advocacy would be guided by the principle that every member of the human family, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, is “created equal” and “endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.”