The Heritage Foundation has released a strong statement reaffirming its support for conservative commentator Tucker Carlson after he faced backlash for conducting what critics called a “softball” interview with controversial figure Nick Fuentes.

Heritage president Kevin Roberts denounced what he described as a “venomous coalition” targeting Carlson, making clear that the organization stands firmly by its allies and by the principle of free expression—a cornerstone of conservative and American values.

“My loyalty as a Christian and as an American is to Christ first and to America always,” Roberts declared. “The Heritage Foundation didn’t become the intellectual backbone of the conservative movement by canceling our own people or policing the consciences of Christians, and we won’t start doing that now.”

Roberts continued, emphasizing that the organization’s mission remains grounded in truth, patriotism, and unity among conservatives. “We will always defend truth. We will always defend America, and we will always defend our friends against the slander of bad actors who serve someone else’s agenda. That includes Tucker Carlson, who remains, and as I have said before, always will be a close friend of the Heritage Foundation.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding Nick Fuentes, Roberts clarified that while he personally disagrees with and condemns many of Fuentes’s statements, silencing individuals is not the solution. “I disagree with and even abhor things that Nick Fuentes says,” he stated. “But canceling him is not the answer either. When we disagree with a person’s thoughts and opinions, we challenge those ideas in debate, and we have seen success in this approach as we continue to dismantle the vile ideas of the left.”

The Heritage Foundation’s response underscores a broader conservative resistance to “cancel culture” and the increasing pressure within media circles to sever ties over ideological disputes. For Heritage, the message is clear—loyalty, faith, and open debate remain vital pillars of the American conservative movement.

Supporters of Carlson and Heritage praised the statement as a reaffirmation of principle over political expediency, drawing parallels to past moments when conservative institutions faced similar pressure campaigns from the left. By defending Carlson, the Heritage Foundation once again signals that it will not yield to outside intimidation but will continue to champion the values of free thought and allegiance to America First ideals.