Ex-GOP Lawmaker Slams Heritage Foundation’s Silence on Antisemite

Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger delivered a scathing critique on CNN last night, targeting Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, for his failure to condemn Tucker Carlson for hosting notorious white nationalist Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier and Hitler sympathizer. Kinzinger’s remarks, made during a heated segment on October 26, 2023, have ignited widespread backlash and highlighted a growing rift within the Republican Party.

Kinzinger expressed disbelief at Roberts’ defense of Fuentes and Carlson, stating, “Shouldn’t all Republicans condemn Nick Fuentes’ hateful comments, full stop?” This question, posed by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, underscores the urgency of the matter, as many within the party grapple with its increasingly extreme elements.

Roberts had previously claimed that Fuentes and Carlson should not be deplatformed, a statement that has not only provoked outrage but also fractured the Heritage Foundation, an organization instrumental in shaping Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda. The fallout from this controversy has raised questions about the core values of the Republican Party and its leaders’ willingness to confront extremism.

Kinzinger emphasized the historical context, recalling, “There’d always be a weird table” at GOP fundraisers that included fringe figures. He lamented that the “firewall” separating mainstream Republicans from extremists is “crumbling.” He noted that the current rhetoric from some on the right suggests there are “no enemies to the right,” highlighting a troubling trend where even far-right ideologies are tolerated in the name of unity against the left.

The urgency of Kinzinger’s comments reflects a broader concern about the normalization of extremist views within the party. He stated, “This has to be burned right out of the party,” indicating that the time for decisive action against such elements is long overdue.

Kinzinger did commend Senator Ted Cruz and a few others for their prompt condemnation of Fuentes, but the delay in Roberts’ response signifies a troubling acceptance of hate within conservative circles. “It feels like that firewall is crumbling,” he warned, as the party struggles with its identity in the face of growing extremism.

As the political landscape continues to shift, the implications of this controversy could resonate throughout the Republican Party, potentially influencing upcoming elections and shaping public perception. The fallout from Kinzinger’s statements is still developing, and observers are keenly watching how the Heritage Foundation and other Republican leaders will respond to this critical challenge.

Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as the repercussions of Kinzinger’s remarks and the Heritage Foundation’s stance continue to unfold.