The Heritage Foundation is in crisis as over twelve employees have walked out. The resignations follow President Kevin Roberts defending Tucker Carlson's interview with Nick Fuentes, a far-right activist known for antisemitic views. Roberts said engagement was better than ostracism. Critics inside and outside Heritage called this defense harmful and said it normalized extremist voices. Roberts apologized multiple times but did not cut ties with Carlson, calling him a “close friend.” This failed to stop the internal revolt. In a staff email, Roberts confirmed that most of the legal and economic teams left immediately. Some staff resigned voluntarily, while others were fired for "conduct inconsistent with the organisation’s mission and standards." This loss hits Heritage’s legal, economic policy, and data teams hard. The think tank has been a top conservative voice shaping policy and courts. Three board members have resigned too, protesting the poor handling of antisemitism issues and damage to Heritage’s reputation. Reports say judges and officials are now avoiding Heritage events. Many defectors joined Advancing American Freedom, a new group started by former Vice President Mike Pence. It has raised $13 million and hired at least 13 ex-Heritage staff. This group promotes traditional conservative ideas like free markets and limited government. Heritage leaders call the resignations an issue of loyalty. Roberts says debate is welcome but not disunity. Former staff accuse Heritage of shutting down dissent. This conflict at Heritage mirrors a bigger battle in US conservatism about how closely to follow the MAGA movement and handle extremist voices. Heritage was once a gatekeeper protecting conservative credibility. Now, it faces one of its toughest challenges yet as the MAGA split deepens inside this influential institution.