Heritage Foundation’s Antisemitism Task Force Splits Amid Controversy Over Leadership and Ideological Shifts

The conservative policy landscape faced a significant upheaval as the Heritage Foundation’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism (NTFCA), known as Project Esther, formally severed ties with the organization. The decision followed intense criticism of Heritage President Kevin Roberts over his handling of the Tucker Carlson–Nick Fuentes interview and a wave of resignations from the task force, which accused the institution of failing to hold leaders accountable.

A letter signed by NTFCA co-chairs Pastor Mario Bramnick, Dr. Victoria Coates, Ellie Cohanim, and Pastor Luke Moon stated the group would “continue the work … outside the Heritage Foundation for a season,” citing concerns over the organization’s direction. The document emphasized efforts to combat antisemitism on the right, expanding beyond previous focus on left-wing pro-Hamas movements. However, the letter did not demand Roberts’ removal or call for Heritage to cut ties with Carlson, a point of contention among members.

Daryl Hedding, head of the Shai Fund, publicly resigned, criticizing Heritage’s “woefully inadequate” response to antisemitism and accusing Roberts of prioritizing personal relationships over addressing threats to Jewish communities. Hedding condemned Carlson as a “tip of the spear in an insurgency” within conservatism, labeling Roberts an “enemy to Israel and the Jewish people.” Michele Bachmann, a former congresswoman and advocate for U.S.-Israel relations, also left the task force, citing Heritage’s stance on Carlson and Fuentes.

Internal dissent at Heritage escalated, with staff and insiders suggesting the breakaway was symbolic, aimed at shielding the foundation from public scrutiny as members resigned. Roberts’ apology for his handling of the crisis was criticized as insufficient, as he avoided renouncing Carlson’s antisemitic rhetoric or ending their personal association. Senior fellows and task-force members increasingly called for Roberts’ resignation, with one stating Heritage lacked the courage to condemn Carlson directly.

Approximately a dozen senior fellows and task-force members have resigned, including economist Stephen Moore and legal scholar Chris DeMuth. The schism reflects deepening rifts over ideological priorities and accountability within the conservative movement.