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Edwin J. Feulner, a pivotal figure in the American conservative movement and co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, died on Friday at the age of 83. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the nation’s most significant think tanks.
Feulner played an instrumental role as president of the Heritage Foundation from 1977 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2018. He transformed this once-little-known organization into a leading force in shaping policy directions in Washington, D.C., and across the country.
As the longest-serving president, Feulner helped establish the Heritage Foundation in 1973, and his influence in conservative thought has left an indelible mark on American politics.
Honoring a Visionary Leader
In a heartfelt statement, Heritage President Kevin Roberts and Board of Trustees Chairman Barb Van Andel-Gaby remembered Feulner not just as a leader but as a visionary and patriot. They stated, “His unwavering love of country and his determination to safeguard the principles that made America the freest, most prosperous nation in human history shaped every fiber of the conservative movement—and still do.”
Recent Initiatives and Controversial Projects
Under Feulner’s leadership, the Heritage Foundation undertook various initiatives, including Project 2025, which proposed a series of right-wing policy recommendations for a potential second Trump administration. Feulner co-wrote the initiative’s afterward embodying his commitment to conservative principles and engaged with President Donald Trump in the lead-up to the 2020 election. Furthermore, he was part of Trump’s transition team at the start of his first term.
The focus on conservative policy advocacy during Feulner’s tenure significantly influenced the reforms of the Reagan era and helped mainstream market-based ideas.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Feulner’s influence was not limited to Project 2025; his approach to conservative advocacy shaped the character of political discourse for decades. He staunchly supported the concept of a ‘big-tent conservatism’ that sought to unite various factions within the movement. Roberts and Van Andel-Gaby emphasized his belief that unity, rather than division, was fundamental to success. They recalled one of his favorite sayings: “You win through multiplication and addition, not through division and subtraction.”
This philosophy extended beyond electoral politics. Feulner aimed to cultivate a new generation of conservative leaders, equipping them with the tools they needed to navigate the complexities of governance and advocacy. His mantra “People are policy” became a cornerstone of the Heritage Foundation’s mission.
The Enduring Impact of Feulner’s Ideals
The impact of Edwin Feulner’s ideas and leadership style will resonate for years to come. His encouragement to foster a spirit of resilience is one of the lasting legacies of his tenure. Feulner was known to remind colleagues that in Washington, there are “no permanent victories and no permanent defeats,” a testament to the ever-changing landscape of American politics.
The Heritage Foundation leaders remain committed to honoring Feulner’s legacy. Roberts and Van Andel-Gaby vowed to carry his mission forward with courage, integrity, and determination. They expressed their deep gratitude for the example he set, stating, “Thank you for showing us what one faithful, fearless man can do when he refuses to cede ground in the fight for self-governance.”
Remembering a Devoted Family Man
Feulner is survived by his wife, Lina, and their children and grandchildren. The family has not disclosed the cause of death, but they are likely to reflect on a life that was not only dedicated to a political cause but also to family and community.
In remembering Edwin J. Feulner, the conservative movement acknowledges the profound contributions he made throughout his life, contributions that will continue to influence its trajectory in the years ahead.
