Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts Faces Backlash Over Stance on Nick Fuentes

Batya Ungar-Sargon, Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek, publicly criticized Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, for his recent statements regarding white nationalist Nick Fuentes and the conservative movement. Ungar-Sargon's tweet highlighted concerns that Roberts' position normalizes racism and antisemitism within conservative circles.

"This whole video is based on the assumption that 'the interests of American citizens' doesn't include Blacks and Jews who oppose the normalization of racism and the inclusion of Nick Fuentes in the conservative movement. Nauseating, repulsive stuff from @KevinRobertsTX," Ungar-Sargon stated on social media. Her comments underscore a growing debate about the boundaries of acceptable discourse within conservative politics.

The controversy stems from Roberts' defense of Tucker Carlson, a "close friend" of the Heritage Foundation, following Carlson's interview with Fuentes. Roberts released a video affirming the Heritage Foundation's support for Carlson and stated that while he "disagree[s] with and even abhor[s] things that Nick Fuentes says, but canceling him is not the answer either." This stance has drawn significant criticism from various conservative and Jewish organizations.

Several prominent conservative and Jewish figures have condemned Roberts' remarks. Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, expressed his dismay, stating he was "appalled, offended and disgusted that [Kevin Roberts] and Heritage would stand with Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes as somehow being acceptable spokespeople within the conservative movement." Other critics have called for a reassessment of relationships with the Heritage Foundation.

Fuentes is widely known for espousing white nationalist and antisemitic views, including Holocaust denial. Roberts' argument against "canceling" Fuentes, framing it as a challenge to be met with debate, has been seen by many as providing a platform and legitimacy to extremist ideologies. The incident has intensified discussions about the direction and moral clarity of the conservative movement.