Josh Blackman, a respected voice in conservative legal circles, has walked away from the Heritage Foundation, citing its leadership's troubling silence on antisemitism within the right's ranks.
Blackman, a longtime contributor and former senior editor of the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, announced his resignation in a pointed letter to Heritage President Kevin Roberts, a decision driven by what he called an "untenable" affiliation, as reported by Newsmax.
His departure stems from Roberts' refusal to denounce antisemitic rhetoric, particularly after defending media figure Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Blackman didn't mince words, stating, "Your comments were a huge unforced blunder, and gave aid and comfort to the rising tide of antisemitism on the right."
Roberts' initial response to the Carlson controversy, labeling critics a "venomous coalition" on social media, only fanned the flames. Blackman argued this stance has eroded Heritage's credibility among jurists and scholars who now refuse to engage with its projects.
The damage isn't just theoretical; a planned book-signing at the Federalist Society's national convention was scrapped when contributors backed out. Blackman noted, "The Heritage brand, once iconic, instantly became toxic."
Judges have stopped endorsing Heritage's Clerkship Academy, and academics are pulling out of future publications. This ripple effect, Blackman warned, undermines the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies' mission to uphold the rule of law.
Blackman's exit isn't an isolated incident; three board members and several fellows have already resigned in protest. The controversy surrounding Roberts' leadership has sparked a broader reckoning within conservative circles about the direction of the movement.
At Turning Point USA's AmericaFest, Ben Shapiro called for Heritage to serve as "ideological border control" to maintain its influence. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, echoed this urgency, pointing to the alarming spread of antisemitic views among younger conservatives.
Meanwhile, Carlson's appearance at the same event, coupled with his recent "Antisemite of the Year" label from StopAntisemitism, has intensified scrutiny. Liora Rez of the group condemned Carlson for providing a platform to figures promoting hateful ideologies.
Steve Bannon, another prominent figure at AmericaFest, has drawn criticism for rhetoric targeting Israel and Jewish communities. Such statements, Blackman implied, are emboldened by Heritage's failure to take a firm stand under Roberts' watch.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the event, tried to calm the waters by rejecting "self-defeating purity tests" within the party. Yet his refusal to call out Carlson or Bannon has left Jewish and evangelical supporters of Israel questioning his future political ambitions.
Heritage, for its part, remains defiant, asserting in a statement, "Our mission is unchanged, and our leadership is strong and decisive." This response, however, does little to address the growing chorus of dissent from within its own ranks.
Blackman reflected on a decade of collaboration with Heritage, highlighting his awards, a white paper on combating antisemitism, and his role in the third edition of the Heritage Guide to the Constitution. His pride in standing with the organization on Constitution Day now stands in stark contrast to his immediate resignation.
The fallout from Roberts' actions, Blackman argued, extends beyond personal grievances to a fundamental betrayal of Heritage's principles. He concluded that while the institution transcends any single leader, the current damage feels irreparable.
Conservatives who value both tradition and moral clarity face a pivotal moment with this saga. Heritage must decide whether to reclaim its standing by confronting these internal rifts or risk alienating a broader base that still cherishes its historic role in shaping policy and thought.