In a striking display of solidarity, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts has publicly backed Tucker Carlson following his controversial interview with avowed Holocaust-denier Nick Fuentes. This interview has sparked widespread criticism, including from figures within the GOP, which has been struggling with a recent surge in antisemitic incidents among its ranks.

Roberts, in a video released on the social media platform X, addressed the backlash against Carlson, denouncing what he described as a “venomous coalition” intent on silencing the conservative podcaster. “Their attempt to cancel him will fail,” Roberts asserted, without naming specific critics. He affirmed that Carlson remains a “close friend” to the Heritage Foundation.

Though Roberts condemned the views expressed by Fuentes, stating he finds them abhorrent, he also argued that "canceling" voices like Fuentes isn't the solution. This stance comes even as the Heritage Foundation has launched initiatives such as “Project Esther,” aimed at combating antisemitism. Roberts emphasized that criticism of Israel by Christians should not be conflated with antisemitism, which he believes should always be condemned.

The interview in question saw Carlson and Fuentes critiquing GOP supporters of Israel, with Fuentes controversially citing "organized Jewry" as a significant challenge to national unity. This has led to further scrutiny of Carlson, who described the support of figures like U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) as indicative of a “brain virus.”

Both Huckabee and Cruz responded to Carlson’s remarks on X. Huckabee downplayed the criticism, while Cruz defended Huckabee's character and dedication to both Israel and the United States.

The incident has unfolded against a backdrop of increasing concern over antisemitism within the GOP. Reports by POLITICO have detailed inappropriate jokes about the Holocaust and praise for Adolf Hitler in a group chat among Young Republican leaders, leading to several resignations and intense scrutiny of the party's stance on such issues.

Senator Cruz has voiced alarm over the rise of antisemitism on the right, describing it as unprecedented in his lifetime. Meanwhile, other GOP figures have attempted to shift focus to scandals involving Democrats, amidst ongoing internal debates over how to address these issues effectively.

The continued support of Carlson by figures like Roberts highlights the complex and often contentious landscape of American conservatism, particularly in its handling of sensitive racial and historical issues. As the debate continues, the GOP faces a critical examination of its values and its future direction.