Jewish Leaders Withdraw from Heritage Foundation Amid Fallout Over Tucker Carlson Endorsement

A growing divide has emerged between influential Jewish figures and the Heritage Foundation after its president, Kevin Roberts, publicly supported Tucker Carlson’s controversial interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Prominent Jewish activists and organizations have distanced themselves from the foundation’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, citing ethical concerns over its alignment with Carlson.

Bryan Leib, a former congressional candidate and active pro-Israel advocate, announced his resignation from the task force, criticizing Roberts for defending Carlson despite the commentator’s history of antisemitic rhetoric. Leib emphasized that Carlson’s platform “tolerates Jew hatred” and undermines shared values, stating he could no longer support the initiative under Roberts’ leadership.

Adam Scott Belos, founder of The Israel Innovation Fund (TIIF), also withdrew his organization from the task force, condemning Roberts for refusing to disavow Carlson. TIIF’s statement labeled Carlson a “leading purveyor of antisemitic propaganda” and criticized his recent interview with Fuentes, a Holocaust denier. The group argued that Heritage’s support for Carlson jeopardizes its credibility in combating antisemitism.

The resignations reflect broader unease among Jewish conservatives over the Heritage Foundation’s stance. Once regarded as a respected conservative institution, the foundation now faces scrutiny for associating with figures who promote divisive and harmful ideologies.

Roberts has not retracted his defense of Carlson, which he framed as a stand against “elite pressure to conform.” Critics, including Jewish and Christian conservatives, argue that the foundation’s moral authority on antisemitism is irreparably damaged.

TIIF urged the Jewish community to take responsibility for its own defense against hatred, stating that reliance on external institutions is insufficient. The exodus of key figures underscores a deepening rift within conservative circles over how to address antisemitism and align with ideological leaders.