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Edwin J. Feulner, co-founder of The Heritage Foundation and a transformative figure in the American conservative movement, died on July 18, 2025, at the age of 83. His death marks the end of an era for modern conservatism, one shaped profoundly by his vision, leadership, and institutional innovation.

Born on August 12, 1941, in Chicago, Feulner held degrees from Regis University, the Wharton School, and a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. He began his political career as a congressional aide, eventually serving as executive director of the Republican Study Committee. But it was in 1973, when he co-founded The Heritage Foundation, that he would permanently alter the intellectual and strategic structure of American conservatism.

Feulner became president of Heritage in 1977, transforming the organization from a modest policy shop into a Washington powerhouse. By focusing on actionable, accessible, and timely research—famously promoting the “briefcase test” to ensure that policy papers were readable and useful—he shifted the think tank model from academic reflection to political influence. This approach quickly proved successful, particularly during the Reagan administration. Heritage’s “Mandate for Leadership,” released in 1981, was widely seen as a roadmap for the incoming president’s conservative policy agenda. More than 60% of its recommendations were implemented during Reagan’s first year in office.

Feulner’s leadership style emphasized movement-building and coalition politics. One of his signature philosophies was, “You win through multiplication and addition, not through division and subtraction,” underscoring his belief in big-tent conservatism. He worked to ensure Heritage was not just a policy institution, but also a training ground for future conservative leaders, advancing what he called the “people are policy” principle.

During his tenure, Feulner helped Heritage expand its reach nationally and internationally. He co-founded the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and served as vice chair of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Even after stepping down as Heritage president in 2013 (and briefly returning in 2017–2018), Feulner remained influential. He was a key figure in Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative policy blueprint for a potential future Republican administration. His fingerprints could be found on virtually every major conservative strategy document over the last four decades.

Feulner received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal from Ronald Reagan and the Bradley Prize for distinguished achievement. He was repeatedly named among the most influential conservatives in the country and held a reputation not just for his intellect but for his integrity and optimism. His favorite motto, often repeated to staff and colleagues, was: “Onward. Always.”

He is survived by his wife Linda, two children, and grandchildren. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia.

In remembering Edwin Feulner, the Heritage Foundation called him “a visionary, a builder, and a patriot of the highest order.” His institutional legacy is secure, but it is the values he instilled—discipline, vision, clarity, and persistence—that will continue to guide conservative thought well beyond his lifetime.

Feulner’s passing is a profound moment of reflection for a movement he helped architect. Yet the machinery he built—and the ideals he championed—march on.

Recent Years & Project 2025

Even after retiring, Feulner remained influential—especially in Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for a future Republican administration. He co‑wrote the initiative’s afterword and met with former President Trump ahead of the 2024 election. He had also worked with Trump’s original transition team in 2016 Rememberance Journal+1The New York Ledger+1The Economic Times+3Southwest Journal+3New York Post+3.

The New York Ledger+2CF.ORG+2Just The News+2Wikipedia+11Southwest Journal+11New York Post+11 compliments of. Edwin J. Feulner, co-founder of The Heritage Foundation and a transformative figure in the American conservative movement, died on July 18, 2025, at the age of 83. His death marks the end of an era for modern conservatism, one shaped profoundly by his vision,