MAGA think tank chief under fire after claiming 'canceling' neo-Nazi 'not the answer'

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts found himself buried in criticism on Thursday after he posted a video telling conservatives that attempts to cancel a prominent neo-Nazi were "not the answer" the party needs to defeat their "political adversaries on the left."

Roberts posted the video after several conservative commentators bashed prominent media personality Tucker Carlson for interviewing avid antisemite Nick Fuentes on "The Tucker Carlson Show." Roberts argued in the video that many of the people criticizing Carlson for interviewing Fuentes are "bad actors who serve someone else's agenda."

"Most importantly, the American people expect us to be focusing on our political adversaries on the left, and not attacking our friends on the right," Roberts said. "I disagree with and even abhor things that Nick Fuentes says, but canceling him his not the answer either."

"When we disagree with someone's thoughts and opinions, we challenge ideas with debate," he continued. "And we have seen success with this as we continue to dismantle the vile ideas of the left."

Political analysts and observers shared their thoughts on social media.

"A watershed moment," political commentator Yashar Ali posted on X. "A shift like this would’ve been unthinkable for Heritage just three years ago."

"Respectfully, I’m not sure you are aware of the extent of this problem or how dark it truly is," conservative journalist Michael Hunt posted on X. "I don’t want anyone 'cancelled,' but I don’t want Hitler apologists masquerading as conservatives either. And they march at the drumbeat of people like Fuentes."

"American Nazi Party comeback," producer Danny Gold posted on X.

"If evil exists, this is it," podcast host Jim Stewartson posted on X.

"If you can’t tell the difference between legitimate criticism of Israel, and the lunatic terror supporters and fake academics that Tucker is platforming in the name of antisemitism, you’re doing it wrong," political analyst John Cardillo posted on X.