The conservative movement has lost one of its most influential and pioneering figures after Edwin J. Feulner, co-founder and former president of the Heritage Foundation, passed away on Friday at the age of 83.
Feulner, who dedicated his life to advancing conservative principles, leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the political landscape for generations to come.
Feulner’s tenure at the Heritage Foundation, where he served as president from 1977 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2018, was nothing short of transformative.
Under his leadership, the once-obscure think tank evolved into one of the most powerful policy influencers in Washington, D.C.
Feulner’s vision turned Heritage into the go-to resource for conservative policy ideas, helping to mold the ideological foundation of the Reagan-era reforms and beyond.
Feulner’s death marks the loss of a true patriot.
In a joint statement, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts and Board of Trustees Chairman Barb Van Andel-Gaby described Feulner as “more than a leader—he was a visionary, a builder, and a patriot of the highest order.”
His “unwavering love of country” and “determination to safeguard the principles that made America the freest, most prosperous nation in human history” formed the bedrock of his work, and his influence still permeates the conservative movement today.
Feulner’s legacy is not just tied to the Heritage Foundation but to the broader conservative movement that he helped shape and grow.
His advocacy and strategic vision were instrumental in pushing market-based, conservative ideas into the political mainstream, laying the groundwork for policy reforms that would define the Reagan administration and beyond.
In recent years, Feulner remained active in advancing conservative causes.
He played a pivotal role in Project 2025, an ambitious and controversial initiative designed to offer right-wing policy recommendations for a second Trump administration.
Feulner co-wrote the project’s afterword and met with President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election, continuing to offer strategic counsel on key policy issues.
His involvement with Trump’s transition team ahead of his first term further cemented Feulner’s place in the modern conservative movement.
Despite criticism from some corners, Project 2025, which includes bold, hardline policy proposals, represents the culmination of Feulner’s life’s work: a commitment to conservative governance and a steadfast refusal to compromise on core principles.
Throughout his career, Feulner was a champion of unity within the conservative movement.
He believed in “addition, not subtraction” and promoted a “big-tent conservatism” that welcomed diverse voices while maintaining a commitment to faith, family, and freedom.
This philosophy was embodied in one of his key mantras:
“You win through multiplication and addition, not through division and subtraction.”
Feulner’s influence was felt far beyond the halls of the Heritage Foundation.
He played a key role in bringing together different factions of the conservative movement, including through his leadership of the Philadelphia Society and the Heritage Strategy Forum.
His vision for a unified, powerful conservative movement continues to resonate among leaders today.
Perhaps one of Feulner’s most enduring legacies is his commitment to mentorship and the development of future conservative leaders.
“People are policy” was one of Feulner’s favorite expressions, and it perfectly encapsulates his focus on building a new generation of leaders to carry forward the values he held dear.
His work to equip and encourage young conservatives, not just in Washington but across the country, has ensured that his influence will extend far beyond his time at the helm of the Heritage Foundation.
His advice to never become complacent, to remember that “In Washington, there are no permanent victories and no permanent defeats”, will continue to guide conservatives fighting to uphold American ideals in the face of an ever-changing political landscape.
Feulner’s life is a testament to the power of one individual to change the course of history.
His tireless commitment to conservative principles and his refusal to cede ground in the fight for self-governance have shaped the direction of American politics.
As Heritage Foundation leaders Kevin Roberts and Barb Van Andel-Gaby stated, they are determined to “carry his mission forward with courage, integrity, and determination.”
Edwin J. Feulner’s passing leaves a profound void in the conservative movement, but his legacy will continue to guide those who fight to preserve the values that make America great.
Through the Heritage Foundation and his countless contributions to the conservative cause, Feulner’s impact will be felt for decades to come.
Feulner is survived by his wife, Lina, children, and grandchildren.
No cause of death has been revealed.
His loss is a reminder of the sacrifices made by patriots like him, who dedicated their lives to securing freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans.
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