Death of Edwin J. Feulner, Conservative Leader
Edwin J. Feulner, a notable figure in the American conservative movement and co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, passed away on Friday at the age of 83.
Feulner held the presidency of the Heritage Foundation from 1977 until 2013, and then again from 2017 to 2018. He was well-known for transforming the think tank into one of the most influential forces in Washington, D.C., and he was the longest-serving president since its inception in 1973.
In a joint statement, Heritage President Kevin Roberts and Council Chair Barb Van Andel Gabby remarked, “Ed Feulner was not just a leader; he was a visionary, a builder, and a dedicated patriot.” They emphasized his deep love for the country and his commitment to upholding the principles that have made America prosperous and free.
The organization was involved in Project 2025, a notably contentious initiative that offers right-wing policy suggestions for a potential second Trump administration.
Feulner later co-authored this initiative and even met with President Donald Trump prior to last year’s election. He also played a role on Trump’s transition team during his initial term.
Thanks to Feulner’s innovative approaches, Heritage set a new standard for conservative advocacy that influenced Reagan-era policies and propelled market-driven ideas into mainstream politics.
He remained active in Project 2025 and was involved in the second Trump administration’s transition plan, which has drawn both acclaim and criticism for its aggressive policy frameworks.
As the author of nine books and a former council aide, he was engaged with numerous other conservative organizations.
Roberts and Van Andel Gabby highlighted Feulner’s contributions in uniting different factions of the conservative landscape. They noted his belief in “big tent conservatism” and his mantra of “winning through multiplication and addition, not division or subtraction.” His enduring impact is not solely tied to his institutional achievements but also to the movements centered around faith, family, and freedom.
His unique sayings, referred to as “Feulnerisms,” continue to resonate within Heritage, emphasizing that “people are policy.” They expressed that his legacy will inspire and support a new wave of conservative leaders across the country.
In their tribute, Roberts and Van Andel Gabby committed to advancing Feulner’s mission with courage, integrity, and determination.
They concluded their statement by thanking Feulner for exemplifying what it means to be a fearless advocate in the fight for autonomy.
The cause of Feulner’s death has not been disclosed. He is survived by his wife, Lina, along with his children and grandchildren.
