Ex-GOP Lawmaker Adam Kinzinger Slams Heritage Foundation President

URGENT UPDATE: Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger has launched a scathing attack on Kevin Roberts, president of the far-right Heritage Foundation, for his failure to condemn white nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes during a CNN interview on Thursday evening. Kinzinger’s remarks come amid growing outrage over Roberts’ defense of Tucker Carlson, who recently interviewed Fuentes, igniting a fierce backlash within the organization.

During the segment, Kinzinger stated, “This is crazy. I mean, look, this is — there’s always been, you know, we’d have Lincoln Day dinners, right? This is like the big fundraisers for the GOP. And there’d always be a weird table.” He emphasized that the GOP has historically maintained a firewall against extremism, but he believes that barrier is now “crumbling.”

Roberts’ controversial stance has not only drawn condemnation from Kinzinger but has also created rifts within the Heritage Foundation, an organization pivotal to shaping Donald Trump‘s Project 2025. As the fallout continues, it has become evident that the foundation’s staff is divided over the issue, highlighting a significant shift in the party’s tolerance for extremist views.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper pressed Roberts on why condemning Fuentes would be a difficult task, asking, “Shouldn’t — I think all Republicans would condemn Nick Fuentes’ hateful comments, full stop.” Kinzinger agreed, adding that Trump’s previous invitation to Fuentes for a lunch at Mar-a-Lago exemplifies a disturbing trend within the GOP.

Kinzinger continued, stating, “It feels like that firewall is crumbling and you hear sometimes people on the right say, we have no enemies to the right.” He noted that this philosophy promotes a dangerous alliance, where even extremist views are overlooked in favor of opposing the left.

The former congressman expressed concern over the slow pace of internal party reforms, saying, “This has to be burned right out of the party. And unfortunately, it’s taking too long to do that.” Kinzinger did commend some GOP leaders, including Ted Cruz, for their swift condemnation of Fuentes, but he stressed the need for a more unified and decisive stance against hate.

As the GOP grapples with its identity in the face of rising extremism, Kinzinger’s comments underscore a critical moment for the party. The fallout from Roberts’ remarks and the internal discord at the Heritage Foundation could have lasting implications as the 2024 elections approach.

Stay tuned for more developments on this unfolding story as the GOP navigates an increasingly complex political landscape.