The passing of Ed Feulner, a co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, has elicited a wave of tributes from Republican leaders and lawmakers.
Feulner was instrumental in starting the Heritage Foundation in 1973 and held the position of president for about four decades.
“With Dr. Ed Feulner’s death, the conservative movement has lost a true giant. Personally, I lost a mentor and dear friend,” shared former Vice President Mike Pence on the social media platform X. “Ed had a profound understanding that America’s strength—through free markets, strong families, and a solid national defense—was crucial for leading the world.”
The Heritage Foundation has recently gained attention for spearheading Project 2025, which has significantly influenced the Trump administration’s push for right-leaning policies.
Feulner was also a key player in establishing the Republican Research Committee, which serves as the conservative caucus for the party.
“Ed Feulner was one of the key figures in building the conservative movement in our country,” remarked Senator Steve Scalise (R-La.), who is the House Majority Leader and a former chair of the RSC, in a social media post.
Founded during the Nixon era, the Heritage Foundation later gained recognition as a “critical force” in policy-making, particularly under former President Reagan. Notable alumni from the think tank now serve in significant roles, including the White House budget director and a key figure in border security.
Many Republicans have reflected on Feulner’s influence, describing him as a foundational figure for conservative values in Washington. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) referred to him as a “giant of the conservative movement,” while Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz) called him a “lion for conservative causes.”
“His leadership at @Heritage served as not just the intellectual engine for the Reagan revolution but also shaped a visionary policy philosophy that continues to impact our country today,” stated Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R).
“The America we have and the America we strive for in the future is owed to Ed in ways that many aren’t even aware of,” remarked Kevin Roberts, the current president of the Heritage Foundation on social media.
“To honor him means being intentional about carrying on his legacy,” he concluded, punctuating his message with an American flag.
