Heritage Foundation rocked as massive number of workers suddenly quit

As offices close for the Christmas holidays, the conservative Heritage Foundation faces a significant staff exodus with the prospect that many departing employees have no plans to return.

According to the Washington Post, Heritage President Kevin Roberts, a principal architect of Project 2025, the blueprint for government that's now being implemented under President Donald Trump, acknowledged late Sunday that the organization is experiencing substantial resignations.

In an email to remaining staff, Roberts wrote, "This weekend, most of our staff, from our legal and economic centers, are departing immediately. We wish them well, though the manner of their departure speaks volumes."

The catalyst for many resignations was Roberts' defense of Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Carlson, a fired Fox News personality, conducted the controversial discussion, which has also created divisions within Turning Point USA.

While the exact number of departing staff members remains unclear, the Washington Post reports that 13 former Heritage employees, including three in leadership positions, have been hired by Advancing American Freedom, a competing policy organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. The group announced it raised more than $10 million to fund these hires.

Heritage official Andy Olivastro attempted to frame the departures positively, stating, "Heritage has always welcomed debate, but alignment on mission and loyalty to the institution are nonnegotiable. Their departures clear the way for a stronger, more focused team."

Heritage Guide to the Constitution editor Josh Blackman published his resignation letter on the libertarian Reason website, directly criticizing Roberts. "Your actions have made my continued affiliation with Heritage untenable. First, your comments were a huge unforced blunder, and gave aid and comfort to the rising tide of antisemitism on the right. Second, in the wake of your remarks, jurists, scholars, and advocates have made clear to me they can no longer associate with the Heritage Guide they contributed to. Third, and perhaps most tragically, your actions have weakened the ability of the storied Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies to promote the rule of law."

"My resignation is effective immediately," he added.

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