Heritage Foundation Shake-Up Triggers Major Move to Pence’s Advancing American Freedom

More than a dozen senior staffers have left the Heritage Foundation after weeks of turmoil inside the group. They moved to Advancing American Freedom, the policy organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. The shift became public in late December 2025. It marks one of the biggest internal ruptures at a major conservative think tank in years.

The main issue began after Heritage president Kevin Roberts defended an interview between Tucker Carlson and activist Nick Fuentes, who has a history of extremist views. The comments sparked outrage among staff and partners. According to Reuters, several employees said the tone from leadership pushed them to resign.

Heritage Foundation Crisis Draws Attention Across Conservative Circles

The resignations hit core teams inside Heritage. They included legal experts, economists, and data specialists. Many had worked there for years. Their sudden exit led to questions about the group’s future direction.

The controversy grew after outside organizations cut ties with Heritage. A task force focused on anti‑antisemitism paused its work with the group. Several donors also raised concerns. Staff said the issue created a divide between traditional conservatives and populist voices inside the movement.

One departing expert warned that trust in Heritage had fallen. According to Reuters reports, internal messages showed staff frustration over Roberts’ public comments. The dispute also drew interest because Heritage plays a major role in shaping conservative policy plans.

Pence’s Advancing American Freedom Gains New Strength

Advancing American Freedom acted fast. Reports state it raised $13 million in two weeks to hire the former Heritage staff. The group more than doubled its workforce. It added new leaders from Heritage’s constitutional, economic, and data units.

Mike Pence said the new hires would help strengthen traditional conservative ideas. His team said the group wants to offer a clear path for policy work without the recent disputes seen at Heritage. The move places the organization in a stronger position ahead of the 2026 political cycle.

Analysts say the shift reflects a larger trend. Some conservative scholars are distancing themselves from populist rhetoric. Others see the changes as a sign of ongoing battles for control over the movement’s direction.

The Heritage Foundation’s struggle has opened space for new alliances. The rise of Advancing American Freedom shows how fast the landscape can shift. The move also signals that the debate over conservative identity remains tense and unresolved.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Heritage Foundation staff resign?

They resigned after comments from Heritage president Kevin Roberts caused internal conflict. Many staff disagreed with his defense of a Carlson interview with Nick Fuentes. The dispute led to a wave of departures.

Q2: Where did the staff go?

Most went to Advancing American Freedom. This group is led by former Vice President Mike Pence. It hired more than a dozen senior figures.

Q3: How much money did Advancing American Freedom raise?

The organization raised $13 million in two weeks. The funds helped hire the new staff. It also supported its rapid expansion.

Q4: What impact does this have on the conservative movement?

It deepens the divide between traditional conservatives and populist voices. It also shifts influence toward Pence’s group. Many believe the debate will continue into the next election cycle.

Q5: Is Heritage Foundation still influential?

Yes, but it faces new challenges. The resignations hurt its stability. The group must now rebuild trust inside the movement.