A trustee at The Heritage Foundation (Heritage) voiced sharp criticism of an emerging posture within conservative circles—arguing that to assert there are “no enemies to the right” is both false and dangerous. He insisted conservatism must reject racists, anti-Semites, and bigots; free speech does not obligate welcoming them into the movement.
The trustee, Robert P. George, wrote that the foundational principle of conservatism is “the profound, inherent, and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family.” He emphasized that ideologies built on white supremacy, eugenics, or anti-Semitism are incompatible with true conservatism. George acknowledged his commitment to free expression—even for those whose views he abhorred—but drew a line between defending rights and “allying with them, welcoming them into our movement, or treating their ideas … as legitimate forms of conservatism.”
George’s remarks came amid controversy at Heritage over its leadership and platforming decisions involving figures such as Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. He argued that these issues represent a broader test: whether conservative institutions will maintain their integrity or allow fringe elements to redefine them.
For many in the conservative movement, the trustee’s warning reflects a growing need to distinguish principled conservatism from reactionary rhetoric.
