Recently, several staff members from the influential conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, decided to leave and join a new group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. This is a significant move and shows some of the tension in the conservative movement today.
The departures come amid internal struggles at Heritage regarding controversial figures within the right. For instance, Heritage President Kevin Roberts faced backlash after defending Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a known white nationalist who has made antisemitic comments. His defense sparked a wave of criticism, leading him to apologize.
The new group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), announced on Monday that it has welcomed these former Heritage leaders, expanding its team significantly. Tim Chapman, AAF’s president, said they raised $13 million shortly after learning about the departures, highlighting the urgency and support behind this move. Chapman aims to strengthen conservative values like low taxes and strong national defense amidst shifting dynamics in the Republican Party.
The changes at Heritage are part of a larger conversation about the future of conservatism. Many are questioning what lies ahead for the conservative movement as it transitions away from personalities like Trump. Chapman pointed out that as leadership changes, foundational ideas become crucial for guiding the movement.
Internal critics within Heritage have reacted strongly. Andy Olivastro, Chief Advancement Officer at Heritage, accused the departing members of disloyalty. He believes their exit could ultimately result in a more focused team at Heritage, indicating that reshaping the organization is essential in light of recent challenges.
Interestingly, a task force dedicated to combatting antisemitism recently cut ties with Heritage due to concerns about these growing extremist influences. Historically, Heritage has been a powerful voice in shaping conservative policies, especially during the Trump administration. Their publication of Project 2025 laid out specific policy goals that have been key in recent governance.
This ongoing shift within the conservative landscape underscores the importance of understanding who the movement stands for and its core values moving forward. It’s a moment of both change and potential redefinition for American conservatism.
