Pence Calls Heritage Foundation “Disappointing” as Conservative Split Deepens

Former Vice President Mike Pence has described the Heritage Foundation as “disappointing and concerning” to millions of American conservatives following a significant shift in its ideology.

Speaking on CNN Wednesday, Pence emphasized his long-standing relationship with the organization, noting it had “contributed mightily” to the conservative movement before sharply criticizing recent developments. He cited the group’s refusal to distance itself from figures like Nick Fuentes and broader ideological changes as key concerns. Pence did not specifically address antisemitism allegations raised by departing staff.

Pence stated that Heritage has “essentially embraced isolationism on the world stage, begun to embrace big government policies, even marginalize the right to life,” trends he labeled deeply troubling for conservatives nationwide. He highlighted his organization, Advancing American Freedom, was founded five years ago to advance a traditional conservative agenda in Washington, D.C., and expressed pride in welcoming prominent policy leaders from Heritage to its ranks.

The former Vice President framed the dispute as a critical debate within the Republican Party over whether conservatives will uphold principles of strong defense, American leadership, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the right to life—or succumb to what he called “the siren song of populism.”

Pence’s remarks follow the hiring of roughly 15 former Heritage employees by Advancing American Freedom, including John Malcolm, former head of Heritage’s legal and judicial studies center; Kevin Dayaratna, who led its data analysis center; and Richard Stern, director of economic policy studies. Heritage leadership has defended its mission as unchanged while accusing departing staff of “disruption” and “disloyalty.”

The staffing tensions intensify amid months of turmoil at the think tank, including backlash over President Kevin Roberts’ defense of Tucker Carlson after his interview with white nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. Two Heritage board members, Abby Spencer Moffat and Shane McCullar, along with scholar Robert P. George, have resigned due to concerns about the organization’s direction.