A deepening ideological rift within the MAGA-aligned conservative movement has triggered a major shake-up at one of its most influential institutions, as more than a dozen senior staff members at the Heritage Foundation announce their departure to join a policy group founded by former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
The departing officials are moving to Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a conservative advocacy and research organization established by Pence after leaving office. The move signals not only internal unrest at Heritage, but also a broader struggle within the American right over ideology, leadership, and the future direction of conservatism in the post-Trump era.
Fallout From Extremism Controversy
The exodus follows weeks of internal turmoil at Heritage, much of it tied to disputes over the growing influence of far-right online personalities and accusations of tolerating extremist rhetoric. Tensions escalated after Heritage President Kevin Roberts released a video defending conservative commentator Tucker Carlson for conducting a friendly interview with Nick Fuentes, an avowed white nationalist who has previously praised Adolf Hitler.
The video sparked immediate backlash inside and outside the organization, with critics accusing Heritage leadership of normalizing antisemitic and extremist viewpoints. Roberts later apologized for the remarks, but the damage had already been done. Several senior staff members reportedly began exploring exits soon after.
Those leaving include leaders from Heritage’s legal, economic, and data analytics divisions — a significant loss of institutional expertise for a think tank that has shaped conservative policymaking for decades.
Pence Steps In — and Raises Millions
In announcing the hires on Monday, Advancing American Freedom confirmed that the incoming staff would substantially expand its policy and research operations. In a statement, Pence praised the new additions, saying they “bring a wealth of experience, a love of country, and a deep commitment to the Constitution and the Conservative Movement.”
AAF President Tim Chapman told NPR that after learning of staffers’ desire to leave Heritage, the organization rapidly raised $13 million in just two weeks toward a $15 million fundraising goal. The funds will cover salaries and operations for the next three years.
“This dramatically expands our organization,” Chapman said, noting that AAF will grow from 18 employees to more than 30. He added that the group aims to rebuild a policy-focused conservative infrastructure grounded in traditional principles such as limited government, low taxes, and strong national defense.
A Broader MAGA Identity Crisis
Chapman framed the moment as an inflection point for conservatism itself. “A movement that has oriented itself around political personalities is starting to realize those leaders are not going to be here forever,” he said, referencing Donald Trump and other dominant figures on the right.
“There is an end date on their leadership,” Chapman added. “The real question now is: what does the movement stand for after that?”
The comments reflect growing unease among traditional conservatives who fear that personality-driven politics and tolerance for extremist voices are eroding the movement’s credibility and long-term viability.
Heritage Pushes Back
Heritage Foundation leadership has publicly downplayed the impact of the departures. In a statement to NPR, Chief Advancement Officer Andy Olivastro accused some of the departing staff of “disloyalty,” adding that the exits “clear the way for a stronger, more focused team.”
However, critics note that Heritage has already suffered reputational damage. A task force focused on combating antisemitism recently severed ties with the organization, citing concerns about its direction and leadership decisions.
Despite the turmoil, Heritage remains highly influential in Republican policymaking. It played a central role in shaping the Trump administration’s agenda, most notably through Project 2025, a sweeping blueprint outlining conservative governance priorities — many of which have already been implemented or proposed by the administration.
What Comes Next
Political analysts say the staff defections highlight a widening fault line inside the MAGA coalition: between populist, personality-driven politics and institutionally minded conservatives seeking to reclaim ideological discipline.
For Pence and Advancing American Freedom, the moment represents an opportunity to position themselves as stewards of post-Trump conservatism. For Heritage, it is a warning sign that internal unity — once its greatest strength — may no longer be guaranteed.
As the Republican Party continues to grapple with its identity, the reshuffling of talent among conservative power centers suggests the battle for the soul of the movement is no longer theoretical. It is now unfolding in real time, reshaping institutions that have defined American conservatism for generations.
