After criticism, Heritage Foundation head vows to call out antisemitism ‘even when my friend Tucker Carlson needs challenging’

The head of the Heritage Foundation in Washington apologizes for hitting out at a “venomous coalition” while defending Tucker Carlson against criticism for hosting an avowed Jew hater on his podcast, and appears to create some daylight between his conservative think tank and the former Fox News host.

“My use of the phrase was a terrible choice of words. It caused justified concern, especially among friends and allies who know how seriously Heritage has fought, and continues to fight, against the rise of antisemitism,” says Kevin Roberts in a new video statement.

“Everyone has the responsibility to speak up against the scourge of antisemitism, no matter the messenger. Heritage and I will do so, even when my friend Tucker Carlson needs challenging,” he adds, saying “the conservative movement must be willing to wrestle with hard conversations, not avoid them.”

Leadership requires owning the moments where we fall short, then using them to reset, refocus, and recommit.

Here is what we are focused on moving forward. Join us. Let’s go win! pic.twitter.com/3xtuP8NDkq

— Kevin Roberts (@KevinRobertsTX) November 6, 2025

The video comes after Roberts apologized to his staff earlier in the day for refusing to condemn Carlson over his friendly interview with Nick Fuentes.

During a tense, two-hour all-hands meetings, staff members challenged Roberts’ leadership, questioned Heritage’s credibility, and warned that his stance had gravely damaged the foundation’s relationships with Jewish partners and donors

“I made a mistake and I let you down and I let down this institution. Period. Full stop,” Roberts said.

The meeting, audio and video of which were leaked online, laid bare deep divisions inside America’s most influential conservative think tank, torn between Roberts’ attempt to mend fences and a staff revolt from within its senior ranks.

Several Heritage employees, including longtime fellows and legal scholars, told Roberts they no longer had confidence in his leadership. Others said his refusal to draw moral lines between Carlson and antisemites like Fuentes had caused lasting reputational harm.

“I made the mess, I want to clean it up,” Roberts told employees, adding that he had offered his resignation to the board but felt a “moral obligation” to stay and repair the damage.

Several staffers demanded that Roberts publicly repudiate Carlson. Two called for him to resign.